NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today was joined by District D Councilmember Eugene Green, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Infrastructure Joseph Threat and Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) Interim General Superintendent Ron Spooner to celebrate the completion of $5.8 million roadwork project in the St. Claude Group community. This project encompasses 14 street blocks in both City Council Districts C and D. Today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony is a testament to the Cantrell Administration’s continued commitment to improving the City’s aging infrastructure.
“Today, we’re in the St. Claude neighborhood – a very unique area of the city, touching both City Council Districts C and D,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “We’re here to celebrate the completion of this 14-block, $5.8 million project that is part of the larger scope of the joint infrastructure projects being implemented throughout the city. My administration is going to continue to invest in our streets and drainage systems in all our neighborhoods.”
“The work being done on these streets is comprehensive,” said Councilmember Green. “We know there are disruptions, but the results will be streets less prone to flooding and a city that is more resilient and stronger in terms of infrastructure. These projects are designed to enhance the quality of life for our residents and make our communities proud to live here and motivated to stay here.”
“The completion of the St. Claude Group C project is a major milestone for our district. This project has greatly improved our community facilities, and I am happy to see the positive impact it will have on our residents. I would like to extend my appreciation to all who were involved in making this project a success,” said Councilmember Freddie King III.
The scope of work includes repaving the asphalt roadway from curb-to-curb, repairing damaged sidewalks and driveway aprons, installing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant curb ramps at intersections and replacing and repairing damaged underground water, sewer and drainage lines.
“Thank you to the residents of St. Claude,” said Deputy CAO Threat. “This is a tough job and some of the most complex construction you’ll ever see. When you’re digging up the streets of a 300-year-old city, you never know what you’re going to find, so we apologize for some of the delays. We have another billion dollars of construction we’re going to start, but first, we want to complete the projects we already have underway. Our entire infrastructure team will continue doing the hard and necessary work.”
These projects were funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and are part of the City’s Joint Infrastructure Recovery Response (JIRR) program in partnership with the SWBNO. Currently, the Department of Public Works (DPW) is continuing citywide construction on 52 projects with an estimated value of $601 million.
“On behalf of SWBNO, it’s always a pleasure and honor to work in cooperation with DPW and the whole Infrastructure team,” said Interim General Superintendent Spooner. “Our role in this specific project included $1.7 million on improving and repairing the water system. We look forward to progressing with this collaborative effort.”
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