NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today was joined by Department of Public Works (DPW) Interim Director Sarah McLaughlin Porteous and Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) Interim General Superintendent M. Ron Spooner for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of two roadwork projects in the Little Woods neighborhood. Little Woods Group B, valued at $4.1 million, and Little Woods Group C, valued at $4.7 million, includes 17 combined blocks of reconstruction. Today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony is a testament to the Cantrell Administration’s continued commitment to improving the City’s aging infrastructure.
“I am excited to cut a ribbon and celebrate the completion of a project that started less than a year ago to reconstruct 17 blocks in the Little Woods community,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Access to good roads throughout our city is a quality of life issue, and these projects are part of the JIRR program in partnership with the SWBNO which is a testament to our real commitment to getting the work done. I’m so proud of the work happening throughout our city, and absolutely here in Little Woods. This is all about
becoming more resilient and adapting to climate. These investments in infrastructure, especially related to climate change, truly set us apart.”
“Thank you to the Department of Public Works for starting and finishing this project,” said Councilmember Oliver M. Thomas, Jr. The residents of this area are always happy to witness the completion of road improvements. This is another step in the right direction for New Orleans East.”
The scope of work for both projects include 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.
“Today, we celebrate the progress we’ve made in New Orleans East,” said Sarah McLaughlin Porteous, Interim Director of DPW. “The improvements completed, both seen and unseen, improve our residents’ overall quality of life. It takes lots of coordination to get this work done, so I’d like to thank the women and men who have worked tirelessly to move these projects to completion. Since 2018, we have completed 39 projects worth $163 million in District E. We appreciate the patience of the Little Woods neighbors and look forward to wrapping up even more projects in this neighborhood.”
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, DPW is continuing citywide construction on 52 projects with an estimated value of $601 million.
“Today we stand with our Little Woods community and our partners to celebrate and support Mayor Cantrell cutting the ribbon on another Joint Infrastructure project,” said Ron Spooner, Interim General Superintendent of SWBNO. “This project represents a $2.8 million commitment from SWBNO, made possible by FEMA dollars and our Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Loan. This is another great example of the progress that can be made through Federal and City partnerships.”
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