When in doubt, contract it out

It's as if all of city government were just one big bursar's office.

NEW ORLEANS – The city of New Orleans has selected a Kansas City, Mo., company to help document and measure Hurricane Katrina damage to roads.

HNTB Federal Services Corp. will assess nearly 15,000 segments of roads, including more than 1,400 miles of roadway.

The company will ensure that the city's Department of Public Works meets deadlines for hurricane funding under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Public Assistance Program.

“This important, fast-paced project could help the city of New Orleans receive up to $140 million for essential repairs, including roads, sidewalks and drainage support,” said HNTB project manager Anne Compson.

Roads remain in poor condition more than two years after Katrina. Roads were first damaged by flooding and later during debris removal and demolition of homes and other buildings.

“Repair of the roads will improve other recovery efforts and the quality of life for the citizens of New Orleans,” Compson said.