Statement of Consulting Role
June 2006

Metro Consulting & Research Firm, Inc. and GCR & Associates, Inc. will assist the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District and the Community-Based Mitigation Committee (CBMC) in continuing their efforts to implement and execute the Community Impact Mitigation Plan for the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal (IHNC) Lock Replacement Project in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Metro will serve the lead role in working with the CBMC to revise as necessary and approve the Partnering Agreement between the CBMC and the New Orleans District. The Partnering Agreement will clearly define the role of the CBMC as providing oversight and guidance to the New Orleans District's implementation of the mitigation plan. Metro and GCR will provide the CBMC with the professional and technical resources necessary to update the Community Impact Mitigation Plan in an effective manner.

Metro and GCR will work with the CBMC to prepare and update the Needs Assessment and Three-Year Mitigation Plan in 2006.  Metro and GCR will:

• Facilitate the CBMC meetings and communications with the New Orleans District.
• Provide unbiased technical, professional, and administrative support to the CBMC in articulating, defining, and prioritizing primary elements of the mitigation plan to offset the impacts associated with the construction of the new IHNC lock, transportation arteries, and flood control structures.
• Assist the New Orleans District and the CBMC in the implementation of a public information program to inform the affected community of the progress of the mitigation plan as well as project construction information.

Metro and GCR will ensure that the updated needs assessment provides a comprehensive inventory of the post-Katrina conditions in the four neighborhoods.  Metro and GCR will also work with the CBMC to produce an updated mitigation plan that adequately addresses the post-Katrina needs in the impact area.

Metro and GCR will continue to work with the CBMC and the New Orleans District to produce annual updates to the plan. These updates will be responsive to an assessment of ongoing community needs, construction schedules, and anticipated funding levels. Metro and GCR will support regularly scheduled meetings of the CBMC and will also be available to meet with neighborhood associations and the New Orleans District throughout the duration of the project to ensure a high level of public participation.   Metro and GCR will document the mitigation planning and implementation process.