Congress’ top budget analyst predicted last week that thefederal tab for Katrina and Rita recovery could top out near $150billion – not chump change by anyone’s measure.

As the Gulf Coast states look to rebuild, taxpayers nationwidewill be asked to ante up. As part of this effort, communitiesacross the United States must take a serious look at identifyingfederally backed projects they can live without – at least for awhile.

Be they much-needed infrastructure improvements orpie-in-the-sky pork, not every project on the wish list of everycongressman, state or local official is a pressing need. While somemay, indeed, be worthwhile endeavors, all are not crucial to theircommunities’ revival and survival. For Mississippi, Louisiana,Alabama and Texas, a swift and full recovery from Katrina andRita’s widespread devastation is.

Beyond these four states, a successful rebirth of the Gulf Coastis vital to Americans from all regions and of all walks because thenation’s energy needs cannot be met – not at a reasonable pricewith reasonable assurance of a steady supply – unless oil and gasdrilling and refining operations on and off the coast can return totheir pre-storm levels. For this reason, if for no other, asuccessful recovery for the gulf states is crucial for everyAmerican.

In tough times, individuals must make tough decisions and dowithout everything they want. It should be no different wheregovernments are concerned.

The recovery period following this season’s deadly hurricanesis, indeed, a tough time for our state, our region and our nation.Doing without in the short term will be necessary for long-termgain. Identifying ways to avoid, delay or reduce spending is theduty of every American – especially those entrusted by the peopleto govern responsibly.