I'm worried we are all sitting around and hoping, playing chicken and hoping that someone else will come in and solve the problem later on," she said.
Local advocacy groups argue that discussions of abandonment harm current economic development and investment in historical communities.
"We need investment," said Arthur Johnson, chief executive of the Lower Nine Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development.
Johnson questioned the financial feasibility and availability of affordable alternatives for displaced residents.
"If you talk about leaving, it can be an excuse to not have economic development because you don't have enough people, particularly in this community.
Where do you move anyway? Where's affordable?"
Johnson said.
Flood protection authorities remain confident that engineering capabilities and targeted federal investments can continue to mitigate risks.
"I don't believe it's a lost cause – I believe it's a question of investment," said Jeff Williams, regional director of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority.
Williams pointed to a history of local adaptation and structural defenses like the Lake Borgne Surge Barrier as proof of resilience.
"Southern Louisianans, long before this country ever even existed, have always adapted, always. Technology has changed.
Engineering has changed. So the adaptability is there," Williams said.
He noted that ongoing maintenance requires continuous funding to combat land subsidence and rising water levels.
"You can design for whatever you want, but we're just in the risk reduction business," Williams said.
The authority continues to adjust defenses to manage safety parameters across the low-lying region.
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"Flood protection is in our name but we don't like to use those words. We talk risk reduction," Williams said.
