NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today was joined by Joseph Threat, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Infrastructure, Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) General Superintendent Ron Spooner, District E Councilmember Oliver Thomas and community leader Reverend Michael Zacharie of the Beulah Land Baptist Church to celebrate the completion of the $8.5 million Lower Ninth Ward Northeast Group B roadwork project.
“Though this process to improve our critical infrastructure has not been painless, it has always been our priority to make it as seamless as possible for the community as we move forward to complete these vital projects,” said Mayor Cantrell. “I especially want to thank the residents of New Orleans for continuing to display patience during these projects and the challenges that come with this unprecedented and historic work. We are excited and will continue accelerating more roadway repairs because the future of our city truly depends on it.”
“I am very pleased that this Lower Ninth Ward improvement project was made possible thanks to $8.5 million in FEMA funds for water, sewage and drain lines, as well as roadway, curbs, sidewalks and ramps,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. “By investing in the foundations of our community, we are building a safer, more accessible system for people today, as well as one we can count on in the future. This kind of forward-thinking and inclusive planning is what will allow New Orleans to overcome the challenges of extreme weather and climate change, and funding these types of projects is a critical role for the federal government to play.”
Funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in partnership with SWBNO, the Lower Ninth Ward Northeast Group B project was designed to remove and replace subsurface utilities such as water, sanitary sewers and drain lines. The project also includes the complete reconstruction of roadways, curbs, sidewalks, drive aprons and American Disability Act (ADA)-compliant handicap ramps at intersections. These improvements were completed across 24 city blocks in the Lower Ninth Ward.
“To have safe and reliable infrastructure within our community gives us not only the ability to feel safe while traveling on our streets but also gives us some confidence that we can attract people and businesses to our community,” said District E Councilmember Oliver Thomas.
“We are committed to investing in our infrastructure and ensuring that residents in our city have quality work and a better quality of life,” said Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Infrastructure Joseph Threat. “This $8.5 million project in the Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood – provided through our DPW and SWBNO Joint Infrastructure Program and the tremendous partnership with FEMA – is a true sign of progress. Thank you to the team of women of men who have led this project from inception to completion and to the residents for their patience and support along the way.”
“We celebrate the completion of the Lower Ninth Ward project, with more than $2.6 million funded by SWBNO, that focuses on infrastructure resiliency and reliability,” said SWBNO General Superintendent Ron Spooner. “We stand with this administration for prioritizing this historical and culturally significant neighborhood, and we are honored to serve alongside Mayor Cantrell and her Department of Public Works.”
The City began construction on the Lower Ninth Ward Northeast Group B improvement project in June 2020 as part of the Joint Infrastructure Recovery Response (JIRR) Program, coordinated in conjunction with the SWBNO. Currently, there are 13 active projects underway in District E valued at $117 million. There are also 7 projects currently in the bid and award phase valued at $51 million. Since May 2018, 30 projects valued at $95 million have been competed in District E.
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