The Los Angeles Times reported that the Corps assessment is being criticized by some of the top civil engineers in the United States. For example, the National Research Council said the data collected by the Corps tends to jump to conclusions and gloss over many problems. It also, according to the council, fails to give the public appropriate information about the city and its livability.

The Times reported that despite criticism, the Corps' New Orleans investigation could result in changes in levee systems in Florida, California and other coastal states.