News

December 19, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans Breaks Ground on Milan Group A Roadwork Project

The City of New Orleans celebrated the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Milan Group A Project, which took place on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, at 1 p.m. The ceremony, held at the intersection of General Pershing Street and Dryades Street, symbolizes a significant milestone in the City’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the Milan neighborhood and improve the quality of life for its residents.

 

"Breaking ground on the Milan Group A roadwork project marks another significant step in New Orleans $2 billion Joint Infrastructure Program. With $22.7 million from FEMA, we’re enhancing the Milan community by reconstructing sewerage, water, and drainage lines, rebuilding streets and sidewalks, and repaving roadways," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "Thanks to the Department of Public Works (DPW), Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Fleming Construction, and the residents for your patience—this truly takes a village. This is yet another example of the City of New Orleans advancing our infrastructure projects."

 

The Milan Group A Project marks a significant advancement in promoting economic development, enhancing infrastructure, and creating a dynamic, sustainable community in the center of New Orleans. Covering 183 blocks, the project aims to improve streets, sidewalks, drainage systems, and utilities in the area, addressing long-standing infrastructure needs while preserving the rich cultural heritage that defines the neighborhood.

 

“The Milan Group A project is a major investment in the future of this community,” said Rick Hathaway, Director of DPW. “This work will bring much-needed improvements to our streets, sidewalks, and drainage systems. These repairs will enhance the overall quality of life, ensuring our infrastructure supports residents today and for years to come.”

 

The Milan Group A Project is a transformative initiative designed to foster economic growth, improve infrastructure, and create a vibrant, sustainable community in the heart of the city. The project encompasses a comprehensive scope of work, including the full reconstruction of water and drainage lines, complete rebuilding of the streets, repairs to sidewalks and curbs, as well as a patch mill/overlay to repave the asphalt roadway from curb to curb, and address damaged sidewalks. This project is part of the Joint Infrastructure Recovery Request (JIRR) program, executed in partnership with DPW, SWBNO, and the FEMA.

 

"The installation of the new water main in the Milan neighborhood will serve hundreds of residents and provide reliable water service to our customers. We are proud to be able to partner with the City of New Orleans to make this project a reality." said Ghassan Korban, Executive Director of SWBNO.

 

“Since taking office, I have been focused on the importance of infrastructure upgrades in all neighborhoods across District B," said Councilmember Lesli Harris. While these projects have their fair share of challenges, I want to thank City agencies, such as the Department of Public Works and the Sewerage and Water Board, for working to ensure that the Milan neighborhood receives improved underground utilities, roads and sidewalks.” 

 

Speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony included City officials, project developers, and community leaders. The event also celebrated the collaborative efforts of local stakeholders and residents who have worked together to bring this vision to fruition. The Milan Development Project is expected to have a lasting impact on the local community, ensuring a safer, more connected, and economically vibrant environment for generations to come.