2006年VOA标准英语-Reconstruction Plan for New Orleans Releas

By Mil Arcega
Washington, DC
12 January 2006
 
watch Rebuilding Plan report

The Bring Back New Orleans commission released its long-awaited reconstruction¹ plan Wednesday.   Among its recommendations: eliminating a 122 kilometer shipping² channel that has been blamed for much of the flooding after Hurricane Katrina, building a new light rail system, and creating a new "Jazz district".  But as VOA's Mil Arcega reports, a plan to close down some neighborhoods within one year if not enough residents come back, has many families worried.

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Rebuilding New Orleans - cleanup efforts underway   
  

The devastation³ caused by Hurricane Katrina has given city planners in New Orleans a unique opportunity to remake a modern American city.  Plans include a complete overhaul⁴ of the city's schools system, a  $3 billion light rail system and a new jazz district.

But one recommendation is of particular concern to residents trying to rebuild. The panel has recommended closing down neighborhoods within a year if they don't reach a critical mass of residents.

 
Rhonda Johnson
  
Rhonda Johnson says she can't let that happen.  "I'm putting everything I have, every dime⁵, into my home.  And I have to live with every day: maybe somebody's going to come and tell me, ‘You can't live here anymore.’  This is America.  How can this happen?"

Although some planners say flood-prone areas should not be rebuilt, the report suggests residents should decide if they want to rebuild or accept a federally-funded buyout. Some have already made up their minds.

Myra Robinson decided⁶ to sell her home rather than wait for city planners to decide if her neighborhood will be spared. "Just to come back each time, I get broken up.  In fact, I may start crying again."

 
New Orleans house tagged 'Not for sale'
  
The city plans to start buying property later this year to begin construction of schools and public facilities.  Low lying neighborhoods that face the biggest threats from flooding could become parks or turned into permanent marshland.  The idea troubles Mark Morial, the former mayor of New Orleans, who says politicians and business leaders need to consult with residents before they write off entire communities. 

Former New Orleans Mayor Mark Morial  
  
"Every neighborhood should and must be treated equally because every neighborhood is of equal risk, certainly, within degree," said Mr. Morial.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is expected to have a large say in how the $17 billion reconstruction fund will be spent. But city officials insist residents will also be given a chance to work with committees, so they can have a say in the future of a "new" New Orleans.

1 reconstruction   

n.重建，再现，复原

参考例句：

• The country faces a huge task of national reconstruction following the war.战后，该国面临着重建家园的艰巨任务。
• In the period of reconstruction,technique decides everything.在重建时期，技术决定一切。

2 shipping   

n.船运（发货，运输，乘船）

参考例句：

• We struck a bargain with an American shipping firm.我们和一家美国船运公司谈成了一笔生意。
• There's a shipping charge of ￡5 added to the price.价格之外另加五英镑运输费。

3 devastation   

n.毁坏；荒废；极度震惊或悲伤

参考例句：

• The bomb caused widespread devastation. 炸弹造成大面积破坏。
• There was devastation on every side. 到处都是破坏的创伤。 来自《简明英汉词典》

4 overhaul   

v./n.大修，仔细检查

参考例句：

• Master Worker Wang is responsible for the overhaul of this grinder.王师傅主修这台磨床。
• It is generally appreciated that the rail network needs a complete overhaul.众所周知，铁路系统需要大检修。

5 dime   

n.（指美国、加拿大的钱币）一角

参考例句：

• A dime is a tenth of a dollar.一角银币是十分之一美元。
• The liberty torch is on the back of the dime.自由火炬在一角硬币的反面。

6 decided   

adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的

参考例句：

• This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
• There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。