New Orleans is taking bids to demolish more than 1,800 hurricane-damaged properties, believed to be the last of those ruined by Katrina that are still standing but beyond repair.

The Army Corps of Engineers' demolition responsibilities shifted to the city September 29th, though contractors stopped tearing down properties the city deemed health threats in August amid claims some houses were mistakenly demolished.

Residents waiting for federal rebuilding aid remain uneasy about the demolition program, and a lawsuit was filed this summer over the houses on the list to be torn down. Some say the city has not outlined clearly enough the appeal process to get properties off the list.

The goal, according to the city's proposal, is to have the properties on the list down by February -- two-and-a-half years after Hurricane Katrina flooded 80 percent of New Orleans.

Corps spokesman Tom Clarkson says at the city's direction, 4,235 properties have been demolished so far.

Bids for the city-managed demolition contract close October 30th. Among the requirements: A city representative must be present at each demolition and nothing can be torn down without site-specific, city-written orders.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency estimates the work will cost at least 56 million dollars.