NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today was joined by Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Infrastructure Joe Threat, Interim General Superintendent for Sewerage and Water Board New Orleans (SWBNO) Ron Spooner, District Director for the Office of Congressman Troy Carter, Sr. Demetric Mercadel, District D Councilmember Eugene Green and Sister Pat Bergen of the Sisters of St. Joseph to celebrate the groundbreaking of the $31 million Mirabeau Water Garden project.
“It is no secret that our city has seen increasingly stronger storms and life-threatening heat waves, as well as a prolonged drought that damaged our greenspace and contributed to a saltwater intrusion that threatened our drinking water,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Despite facing multiple challenges, the City of New Orleans remains at the forefront of climate adaptation, using green infrastructure to fight the detrimental effects of the climate crisis. Projects like these are why I will continue to take opportunities to share ideas and solutions with international partners, as it demonstrates the power of local leadership on this global issue. Mitigation efforts like these are just a few ways we are actively addressing flood impacts during major weather events because this is our reality. We must continue to take these bold steps to protect our people and strengthen the resiliency of our neighborhoods for generations to come.”
This 25-acre site on Mirabeau Avenue, between Bayou St. John and the London Avenue Canal, will be engineered into a blue-green park, including stormwater detention areas that double as recreational and educational areas, walking paths, pump stations and permeable parking areas. Water will be stored in lagoons and gradually emptied by weirs. Educational buildings and signage will offer education in climate, stormwater management, green infrastructure and public health. Walking paths and play lawns will provide recreational opportunities alongside climate education.
“Soon after Hurricane Katrina, I was brought in as the Chief of Staff for FEMA for the State of Louisiana and took over the long-term recovery efforts, so nobody knows better than me how long these projects take,” said Threat. “I was instrumental in moving funding, historic preservation and getting projects going, but this is hard work in a very old city. With that in mind, we have to be careful and intentional in the way we do this work. We’re going to continue to do our work here, and we’re going to get the job done. It’s a full circle moment for me, from being a resident of this neighborhood, then working for FEMA and now utilizing federal dollars to completely rebuild this city.”
“This is sacred property, and we’re going to have a fabulous project here that will help retain and store water,” said Spooner. “This site is going to be the jewel of this community in Gentilly, where everyone can gather and learn about nature and how plants filter pollutants from stormwater and runoff. This educational aspect will be important for our urban residents to truly understand the positive impacts of nature on our lives and our communities.”
Phase I of the stormwater management design and construction is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation grant program. The Notice to Proceed (NTP) was issued to the construction contractor on Dec. 8.
“The Mirabeau Water Garden Drainage Improvements and Green Infrastructure Project is a model for sustainable urban development that safeguards our communities while celebrating the beauty of Louisiana’s natural landscapes,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02). “I am especially excited to note FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which recognizes this project’s importance in enhancing community resilience and reducing flood risks. The Mirabeau Water Garden is an example of successful collaboration, where federal resources align with local vision, making positive, lasting change a reality. I look forward to seeing the impact this space will have on our beloved city.”
“It’s important not to rush a transformative, catalytic project such as this,” said Councilmember Green. “This project is going to make a difference not only here in Gentilly but also in the way we are viewed on a national and international scale. When we complete this project right, we will be in a good position to procure even more federal funding to do this throughout the City of New Orleans. Residents of this area are already benefitting from the Gentilly Resiliency District program, which has included rain barrels, rain gardens, bioswales and permeable pavement. This is the type of work we need to help us live with water and move forward, while recognizing that there will always be challenges, but we can overcome them.”
The land was donated to the City of New Orleans by the Congregation of the Sisters of the St. Joseph on the condition that it be used to enhance and protect the neighborhood. The water garden vision is based on innovative site design and stormwater management features developed in the Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan. This vision was embraced by the Sisters of St. Joseph as one that, in their own words, “would manifest the holiness and the beauty of this land…and evoke a huge systemic shift in the way humans relate with water and land.” Many of the Sisters of St. Joseph were present at today’s groundbreaking and blessed the site.
“A sense of hope has risen here and is now a fever pitch in our hearts,” said Sister Bergen. “Today is finally the day when this holy ground will open and give itself as a gift to the people of New Orleans, lending promise and hope for all flood-prone areas. This land has a vocation. The indigenous Chitimacha tribe, who used to live here, knew the great spirit was present in the land, in the mighty oaks, the water and all creatures. Our mission is unifying love, which has permeated this neighborhood and the whole city. Our prayers have been answered, as this project has brought worldwide attention and hope in how to deal with water and climate resiliency.”
When the Cantrell Administration came into office in 2028, no work had been completed and only one project was under contract. At present, 66 percent of the projects have completed design, with eight projects slated to go out for bid and begin construction in 2024. Not only are these projects essential for climate adaptation, but they are also cost effective. For instance, Mirabeau Water Garden is anticipated to have a positive economic impact of $210 million in avoiding flooding losses, business interruption and urban heat reduction.
With $269 million in projects beginning construction in 2024, the Disaster Resilience and Hazard Mitigation programs will:
- Improve over 100 acres of green spaces and public parks
- Reduce flooding by up to 14 inches
- Reduce urban heat by as much as six degrees
- Add over 100,000 feet of bikes lanes and recreational trails
- Plant over 20,000 trees
For more information, please visit nola.gov/stormwater/projects/mirabeau/.
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