Florida, etc., DID get federal aid for past severe hurricanes. Andre in 1992 cost the federal government (and us) roughly 25 billion.

Orleans Parish 2003 businesses-
10,460 businesses, 208,285 employees, payroll 7 billion.

RichM, the FEMA strategy seems to be - contract with the big boys such as Halliburton and whom they subcontract uses their employees or hires. Locals get short shrift.