By Eileen Fleming
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wwno/local-wwno-885095.mp3
New Orleans, La. – The National Trust for Historic Preservation claims the planned facilities are going ahead without proper environmental review. The Washington, D.C.-based group said the new hospitals would clear 25 blocks in a historic district, and displace 600 residents and dozens of businesses. The National Trust backs a proposal to refurbish Charity Hospital, which has been closed since Hurricane Katrina. The U-S Department of Veterans Affairs argued the project is in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. The state and city have joined in the lawsuit on behalf of hospital projects. They all want a final ruling from Judge Eldon Fallon, whose decision could halt ground breaking planned for late summer.