Because of its position on the Gulf Coast, Grand Isle is prone to serious hurricanes and winter storms.  Indeed a serious storm or hurricane either brushes or strikes Grand Isle every 3 years.  In 2005, Hurricanes Katrina (Category 5) and Rita (Category 3) did not directly hit the island, but both wreaked havoc, destroying many homes and businesses, and damaging schools, churches, roads, and protection levees and berms.  A tidal surge of salt water from Hurricane Katrina reached over 6 feet in the middle of the island and was higher closer to the western and eastern passes moved through Grand Isle with winds up to 130 miles per hour pushing the water at a high speed.  The collected debris from homes, camps, and businesses covered several acres to about 3 stories in height, including large numbers of refrigerators, freezers, stoves, boats, and personal belongings.  The well-being of residents and their homes, small businesses, schools, churches, and the infrastructure and beaches of Grand Isle is critical to the future of the island as a community.  The economic blow to the people, businesses, and tax base of Grand Isle has been severe.  The future of the residents and resident small businesses and the future of Grand Isle are at risk.