The City of New Orleans has recently secured a $1.2 million grant from FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) for the Resilient Algiers Project to transform two vacant lots in an Algiers neighborhood into an urban farm and green space designed to enhance stormwater management. Mayor LaToya Cantrell highlighted the importance of investing in sustainable solutions to adapt to a changing climate, emphasizing collaboration between the community and government, according to a statement made by NOLA.gov.
The initiative initially sought to only revamp a 6-acre site, where an apartment complex once stood before being decimated by Hurricane Katrina. The community, in collaboration with Tulane's Small Center, dreamed to reanimate this space, now named Hung Dao Heritage Gardens. While working with local community leaders and the Hung Dao Community Development Corporation (CDC), NOHSEP's Hazard Mitigation branch was able to not only broaden the project's ambition but also to secure an adjacent 3-acre city-owned lot to expand the project footprint. "This $1.2 million award for the Resilient Algiers Project is a huge step forward for our community," declared District C Councilmember Freddie King in a statement to NOLA.gov.
The strategic expansion of the Resilient Algiers Project, which now includes the adjacent city lot, has allowed for the scope to grow to incorporate larger green stormwater infrastructure. NOHSEP Director Collin Arnold praised his team's efforts in working closely with the community to realize sustainable solutions for longstanding flooding issues. Austin Feldbaum, NOHSEP Hazard Mitigation Director, also stated the significance of such green infrastructure projects in combating chronic flooding and adapting the city to extreme weather conditions, as reported by NOLA.gov.
The collaboration has achieved further success, with the Song Community Development Corporation (CDC) joining to lead project development efforts alongside Hung Dao CDC. Their combined efforts to address the impacts of climate change on their community earned them recognition as finalists in the Greater New Orleans Foundation's Next 100 Years Challenge, securing an additional $100,000. "BIPOC communities bear the brunt of climate change," stated Song CDC Co-Executive Director Tap Bui, emphasizing the significance of the funding in not only mitigating hazards but also boosting community well-being. The grant will help the community prepare for, protect against, and strengthen their neighborhoods in the face of growing climate threats, highlighted Hung Dao CDC leader John Hoa Nguyen in his remarks to NOLA.gov.
