Marines Land in New York

According to the New York Post, the Marines have come to New York City to help with the cleanup.

Armed with high-powered water pumps and sophisticated surveying equipment, the Leathernecks, aided by Navy sailors, began their attack on floodwaters from Rockaway Beach in Queens to Midland Beach on Staten Island.

I'm proud of the Marines for helping out our citizens who need help desperately and are not getting that help from the City.  However, there is one thing that the citizens need to realize.  After the water gets pumped out and the surveys are complete, the Army Corps of Engineers are going to re-draw the flood maps.  Whatever the high-water-mark was will reset the 100 year floodplain.  Nothing in the flood plain will be permitted for rebuilding without a substantial flood plan.  Insurance premiums go up, you've got to have flood insurance.  It's quite the bureaucratic hassle.

If you doubt that, ask the residents of the Ninth Ward near New Orleans.

But still, Hooray for the US Marines!