I just read most of this thread and find one post reflects the lack of knowledge/information that is prevelant.

Waaaaay back on 9/01/05 @10:54 PM, number 6 responded to a Guest "G" post, several posts before, that there were plans to raise the height of the levees in case a storm stronger than a Catagory 3 would hit. NO!
The levees were designed eons ago to withstand a level 3, no more.
The main reason for raising the height is due to the fact that they, as well as New Orleans, are slowly sinking downward. The possibility of raising them could have caused more breaching as the wind and waves would have more surface to push against. The purpose for raising has been all over the media and in past publications. They are sinking!