Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search


Katrina Tax Breaks Pay for Luxury Condos

Posted Aug 13, 07 9:56 PM CDT in US 

(Newser) – Investors are using federal tax breaks designed to stimulate rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina to buy luxury condos being built near the University of Alabama’s football stadium, 200 miles from the coast, the AP reports. The Tuscaloosa developments, where units go for up to $1 million, are flourishing while much of the region devastated by the storm is still in ruins.

One real estate agent said Gulf Opportunity Zone tax benefits were responsible for 10% of condo sales in barely-damaged Tuscaloosa, where units feature granite countertops, huge bathtubs, and even ’Bama decor. GO Zone breaks are expected to cost the government $3.5 billion by 2015. Said a flooded-out local businessman in Slidell, La., “The GO Zone? What’s that? We’re in the dead zone.”

Source Associated Press

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon
Richard Loth boards up his home in Pass Christian, Miss., Tuesday, May 22, 2007. His house made of poured concrete is one of the few left standing near the beach. Progress in rebuilding after Hurricane...   (Associated Press)
A construction crew works on a new condominium complex near the University of Alabama campus, Wednesday, July 18, 2007 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. With large swaths of the Gulf Coast still in ruins from Hurricane...   (Associated Press)
This aerial view shows condominiums under construction near the University of Alabama campus, Wednesday, July 18, 2007 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. With large swaths of the Gulf Coast still in ruins from Hurricane...   (Associated Press)
Fishing boats still rest along the levee on Highway 90 in eastern New Orleans Wednesday, May 23, 2007. Progress in rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina is spotty along U.S. 90, a coastal highway that spans...   (Associated Press)
Some of the damage from Hurricane Katrina to Joyce Ridgeway's home is still not repaired in New Orleans Monday, March 5, 2007. Ridgeway's four-family house in the Esplanade Ridge neighborhood of New...   (Associated Press)
Hurricane Katrina Aftermath - Day 12   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Bloggers

Threads (
1
 of 2)



Loading...

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other US Stories


What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »