NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority, a community improvement agency, has received two awards during the 2020 EPA Region 6 Outstanding Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development Project Competition. NORA placed first in the professional category and people’s choice category for its Community Adaptation Program launched in July 2018 for the implementation of residential green infrastructure projects in New Orleans. The initiative provides local low- to moderate-income homeowners with critical stormwater management interventions to reduce stormwater runoff in the Gentilly neighborhood, in addition to a unique workforce development program to support an industry of skilled laborers capable of installing and maintaining green infrastructure.
Through this program, developed in partnership with the City of New Orleans as part of the implementation of the $141.3 million National Disaster Resilience grant, NORA and project partners have completed more than 65 residential projects with plans to complete more than 175 more in the area. The program received critical early-stage funding and support from the Greater New Orleans Foundation and Enterprise Community Partners.
“We are deeply honored and humbled to have received this recognition and for the opportunity to lead such meaningful work for the people of our city,” said NORA Executive Director Brenda M. Breaux. “Seeing the impact of this project on participating homeowners and their surrounding neighborhoods has been amazing. We look forward to expanding upon our existing efforts and partnerships to transform the ways in which we address flooding and create a stronger, more sustainable New Orleans that will thrive for generations to come.”
Learn more about the CAP and hear testimonials from participants in a newly-released video here.
For additional information, visit www.noraworks.org/CAP