August 27, 2024 | From City of New Orleans
EPA Announces Funding for City of New Orleans, Dillard University and United Way of Southeast Louisiana
NEW ORLEANS — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the City of New Orleans will receive $49.9 million from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program (CPRG) to implement community-driven solutions that tackle the climate crisis. This significant funding will support the implementation of critical greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction measures over the next five years, reinforcing New Orleans’ commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Additionally, it was announced that $19.9 million in community grant funding will be awarded to Dillard University and their partner United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA).
"As New Orleans works to reduce our emissions contributing to climate change, this substantial funding will fuel seven pivotal greenhouse gas reduction measures that align with a cross section of goals from the City’s Climate Action Plan and the Southeastern Louisiana Priority Climate Action Plan (SELA PCAP),” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “This grant represents a significant investment in the health and resilience of our city and reaffirms our commitment to environmental stewardship and social equity. We are excited to lead the way in advancing our climate goals, improving the quality of life for our residents, and setting a powerful example for other cities to follow. Thank you to the EPA and our partners for their unwavering dedication to making New Orleans a more sustainable city."
“I'm excited to announce this grant, which is a monumental step for environmental and climate resilience efforts,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02). “It will enable New Orleans to implement critical greenhouse gas reduction measures, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and the well-being of all Louisianians. It will also help significantly reduce the city's carbon footprint, promote economic and green job growth and create a healthier environment. The planned projects, including reforesting underserved neighborhoods to combat urban ‘heat islands,’ expanding the Blue Bikes bike-sharing program, enhancing energy efficiency in municipal buildings and providing residents with subsidies to install solar on their homes, demonstrate a comprehensive approach to achieving substantial GHG reductions and improving the quality of life in New Orleans.”
The City of New Orleans will develop projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across multiple sectors by improving access to non-vehicle transportation, supporting adoption of energy efficiency measures in large buildings, installing rooftop solar panels and implementing urban forestry programs. This nearly $50 million in funding will help New Orleans increase the Blue Bikes share fleet to 2,000, with a focus on historically underserved areas; construct seven miles of protected bikeways adjacent to downtown New Orleans to protect bikers from traffic; plant 7,500 trees in underserved neighborhoods over five years and retrofit 41 City buildings by installing rooftop solar panels on 14 municipal properties.
“New Orleans, more than any other city, knows the importance of climate resilience," said EPA Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. "Projects funded through Climate Pollution Reduction and Community Change grant programs will not only strengthen infrastructure to build resilience but will also cut greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. The Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act brings historic amounts of funding to community groups on the frontlines of climate change who are ready to implement solutions to the challenges they face.”
A total of $19 million is being given to Dillard University and their partners to reduce pollution and strengthen community resilience to natural disasters in the St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. This funding will improve transportation access by providing up to 300 families with e-bikes, expanding bike sharing programs and installing electric vehicle chargers. Several buildings will be retrofit with energy efficient HVAC systems, solar and energy storage so they can serve as community resilience hubs during emergencies. The university will also launch new non-degree certificate programs in clean energy and climate resilience.
"Today marks a pivotal moment for Dillard University and the Greater New Orleans community as we celebrate this transformational grant from the EPA,” said Dillard University Interim President Dr. Monique Guillory. "This funding reflects our dedication to sustainability and resilience and highlights the power of collaboration with our community partners. Together, we are poised to address critical environmental challenges and empower our community, ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for all."
“At United Way of Southeast Louisiana, we are committed to fostering financial stability for our families and empowering them to take meaningful action toward environmental resilience," said UWSELA President and CEO Michael Williamson. "Through initiatives like the new monthly orientations, job referrals and sustainable infrastructure improvements at our Prosperity Centers, together with our partners, we are creating a community where every family has the resources and opportunities to thrive."
Both of these grant announcements advance President Biden’s historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. To learn more about the CPRG program, please visit this webpage and for more information on the community change grant, visit this webpage.
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