January 13, 2025 | From City of New Orleans
City of New Orleans Obligates All ARPA Funding Marking Major Milestone in Community Investment
NEW ORLEANS – The City of New Orleans today announced that it has officially obligated the full $388 million of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, a significant milestone that will support critical projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure, improving residents’ quality of life, and fostering long-term resilience. Residents can follow the progress of these investments through the City’s ARPA dashboard at www.nola.gov/arpa.
“Fully obligating these funds is a transformative step for New Orleans," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "From strengthening our drainage systems to investing in the mental health of our children, we are ensuring that these resources benefit those who need them most. This achievement is the result of the tireless work of City employees, community partners, and all those involved in ensuring the funds are put to work for our residents.”
Key investments include:
- Drainage System Improvements: $10 million allocated to enhance the city’s drainage system, removing 3.6 million tons of debris and cleaning 5,876 catch basins and 668,324 feet of drainage to improve flood resilience and preparedness
- Children’s Mental Health: $10 million invested in a partnership with Children’s Hospital New Orleans and the Orleans Parish School Board to address mental health needs of children and youth across the city
- Economic Mobility and Financial Stability: $5 million directed toward programs that ensure financial stability for vulnerable residents, including Universal Basic Income (UBI) initiatives for high school students and expectant mothers
- Free Youth Transit Fares: $2.5 million invested to provide free transit fares for youth, ensuring that all young people have access to affordable transportation
- Food Security: $1 million invested to expand food security programs and ensure greater access to nutritious, affordable food for residents in need
- Utility Assistance: $5 million allocated to assist residents with utility payments, alleviating financial strain during challenging times
- Workforce Development: $11 million invested in job training and workforce development programs to create lasting career opportunities for New Orleans residents
- Criminal Justice System Technology Overhaul: $30 million earmarked for updating and modernizing the technology used within the criminal justice system to improve efficiency, fairness, and transparency
“Children’s Hospital New Orleans was able to integrate our ThriveKids Student Wellness Program across NOLA Public Schools thanks to American Rescue Plan funds that were allocated from the City of New Orleans, with an initial $10M, three-year commitment for the program,” said Lucio A. Fragoso, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital New Orleans. “This transformative funding has allowed us to shift from a reactive healthcare model to a proactive approach that is centered around meeting the medical and mental health needs of kids, where they are. Together with our education sector and city leaders, we are making a lasting impact for some of our most vulnerable students.”
“This milestone reflects our commitment to improving the lives of New Orleans residents through thoughtful, impactful investments," said Gilbert Montaño, Chief Administrative Officer. "Our teams worked diligently to ensure that each dollar was allocated effectively, and we are proud of the progress we’ve made.”
"Our partnership with the City of New Orleans through the ARPA Economic Mobility in Motion funding is a testament to the power of intentional collaboration between government and community-based organizations towards growing our economy and meeting future workforce demands," said Ryan Mattingly, Executive Director, Louisiana Green Corps. “It is also an example of how our city serves as a model in addressing the environmental challenges we face towards becoming a more equitable, sustainable, and just city.”
"This signifies a major milestone in our collective effort to modernize the criminal justice system in Orleans Parish," said Nathaniel Weaver, JTMP Director. "Since its launch in August 2023, the JTMP Program Management Office (PMO) has successfully completed nine projects across six agencies, including the Sheriff's new Investigation Case Management System. Projects scheduled for completion in 2025 include a state-of-the-art records system for the New Orleans Police Department, a modern jail management system for the Orleans Justice Center, and a modern court system for Criminal District Court. These projects are laying the foundation for a more efficient, effective, and equitable justice system."
As the city continues to move forward, these strategic investments will create a more resilient, prosperous, and equitable New Orleans. The Cantrell Administration is committed to continued collaboration with community partners and residents to ensure the lasting impact of these initiatives.
For more information on the ARPA-funded projects or to stay updated on their progress, visit www.nola.gov/arpa.