In the past few weeks, Hurricane Gustav has refocused the nation’s attention on the Gulf Coast region, reminding us once again ofthe hardships faced by those whose lives were devastated by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. But three years after those storms brought unprecedented death and destruction to the area, how can we ensure that attention doesn’t wane?

Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama have pledged to reinvigorate Gulf Coast recovery efforts, but what must be done to make sure their words are matched with concrete action?
 
On Sept. 15, a bi-partisan group ofnational and local policy experts, officials, foundation representatives, policy experts, journalists and community organizers working in the Gulf Coast region, came together to answer that question. The forum examined the policy strategies available to the next president, and how to maintain the political and public will crucial to recovery efforts. Panelists also discussed Congressional funding of Gulf Coast recovery efforts, and the pending second economic stimulus bill.