On Tuesday, (May 7) Dillard University celebrated the completion of the Dillard University Drainage Improvement Project.
The $6.5 million project included a larger subsurface drainage system, a wider bio-swale in the rear of the campus, improvement of the Mandolin Canal and discharge pipe into the City’s drainage system.
“The City of New Orleans is proud to stand with Dillard and with our local, state, and federal partners on this project – which will help retain stormwater on site and reduce flooding in the area,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Infrastructure has to be a top priority, and projects like this represent innovate strategies to live with water, and to improve the quality of life for the Gentilly community.”
Funding for the project was provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The FEMA HMGP helps communities implement mitigation measures to reduce the risk of loss of life and property in the event of a future disaster. HMGP funds are made available after federally-declared disasters – in this case, Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
“FEMA is committed to helping to reduce risk to natural hazards in New Orleans,” said FEMA Region 6 Mitigation Division Director Sandy Keefe. “Mitigation actions are crucial for saving money, property, and, most importantly, lives and FEMA will continue to support ongoing mitigation projects throughout the city with our local and state partners.”
The Dilliard University project was the first in several stormwater management improvements set to be completed during the Cantrell administration. These projects will use $127 million in HMGP funding paired with a $141 HUD National Disaster Resilience grant for projects in the Gentilly Resilience District.
“I am extremely proud to celebrate the completion of this critical project, which represents a huge step forward for Dillard University and all those living in District D. We’ve taken great strides to reduce the effects of stormwater and implement new technologies to ensure our resiliency and prosperity moving forward. While there is still much work to be done, I look forward to the widespread positive impacts this project will have for all those in the surrounding communities,” said District D. City Councilmember Jared Brossett.
