Greater New Orleans releases urban water plan

Public-private group Greater New Orleans has released the Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan, which attempts to address problems with the water management system in New Orleans, US.

The $6.2bn plan aims to increase quality of life and reduce street flooding, potholes and damaged infrastructure from subsidence. Its implementation is expected to result in approximately $22bn in economic benefits to the region over 50 years.

US Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan said that the plan, funded by a $2.5m CDBG-DR grant, charts a course for how to better protect communities and mitigate against future flood risk.

"Last month the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force, which I’ve had the honour to chair, released a Rebuilding Strategy that will serve as a model for communities across the country as they adapt to more frequent and severe storms and flooding events. The Urban Water Plan not only aligns with our Rebuilding Strategy but it too serves as a national model for resilience," Donovan added.

Greater New Orleans president and CEO Michael Hecht said the Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan serves a symbiotic dual purpose, simultaneously preserving the value of businesses and communities.

"Implementation of the Urban Water Plan will make Greater New Orleans a better place to live and work, while building our new brand as national water experts; something surely to be in demand in a world of increasing weather volatility," Hecht added.

The water plan is funded by the Louisiana Office of Community Development through a community development block grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.