EPA Announces About $70 Million in Grant Funding for Dillard University and the City of New Orleans

 US EPA News Release:

EPA Announces About $70 Million in Grant Funding for Dillard University and the City of New Orleans

DALLAS, TEXAS (August 27, 2024)— The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $19,944,576 in community grant funding for Dillard University and their partner United Way of Southeast Louisiana. The City of New Orleans will receive $49,975,589 from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program (CPRG) to implement community-driven solutions that tackle the climate crisis.

“New Orleans, more than any other city, knows the importance of climate resilience. Projects funded through Climate Pollution Reduction and Community Change grant programs will not only strengthen infrastructure to build resilience, but will also cut greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act brings historic amounts of funding to community groups on the frontlines of climate change who are ready to implement solutions to the challenges they face.”

“I’m excited to celebrate the tremendous strides being made in our fight against the climate crisis and to recognize the impactful work being done right here in Southeast Louisiana. The grants we are highlighting today represent more than just financial support – they symbolize our collective commitment to environmental justice, sustainability, and the health of our communities. Together, we are building a brighter, greener future,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).

"Our community's strength lies in our collaboration, and today we celebrate the transformative climate investments made possible by the EPA and the Biden-Harris Administration," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "This historic level of funding will empower us to create a more resilient, sustainable New Orleans while directly addressing the needs of our residents. Together, we are leading the charge toward a brighter, greener future."

"Today marks a pivotal moment for Dillard University and the Greater New Orleans community as we celebrate this transformational grant from the EPA,” said Dr. Monique Guillory, Interim President of Dillard University. "This funding reflects our dedication to sustainability and resilience and highlights the power of collaboration with our community partners. Together, we are poised to address critical environmental challenges and empower our community, ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for all." 

“At United Way of Southeast Louisiana, we are committed to fostering financial stability for our families and empowering them to take meaningful action toward environmental resilience. Through initiatives like the new monthly orientations, job referrals, and sustainable infrastructure improvements at our Prosperity Centers, together with our partners, we are creating a community where every family has the resources and opportunities to thrive,” said Michael Williamson, President and CEO, United Way of Southeast Louisiana.

"Louisiana Green Corps is thrilled to be part of these historic awards for our city and is committed to shaping a sustainable future where racial equity, economic growth and environmental stewardship all go hand in hand. To grow the equity we seek for our region we need workforce development partnerships like these to ensure local residents benefit from our city's current and future economic and environmental revitalization efforts,” said Ryan Mattingly, Executive Director Louisiana of Green Corps.  

"With over 70% of ridership by New Orleans locals, Blue Bikes provides a healthy, sustainable, and fun way for folks to move around town," said Interim Co-Executive Director Patrick Urbine. "We are thrilled to be able to partner with the City of New Orleans and Dillard University to continue to expand access to bikeshare and improve healthy, sustainable, and fun mobility options for the larger New Orleans community."

A total of $19 million is being given to Dillard University and their partners to reduce pollution and strengthen community resilience to natural disasters in the St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. This funding will improve transportation access by providing up to 300 families with e-bikes; expanding bike sharing programs; and installing EV chargers. Several buildings will be retrofit with energy efficient HVAC systems, solar, and energy storage so they can serve as community resilience hubs during emergencies. The university will also launch new non-degree certificate programs in clean energy and climate resilience.

The City of New Orleans will develop projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across multiple sectors by improving access to non-vehicle transportation, supporting adoption of energy efficiency measures in large buildings, installing rooftop solar panels, and implementing urban forestry programs. This nearly $50 million in funding will help New Orleans increase the Blue Bikes share fleet to 2,000 with a focus on historically underserved areas; construct seven miles of protected bikeways adjacent to downtown New Orleans to protect bikers from traffic; plant 7,500 trees in underserved neighborhoods over five years; and retrofitting 41 City buildings by installing rooftop solar panels on 14 municipal properties.

Both of these grant announcements advance President Biden’s historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. To learn more about the CPRG program, please visit this webpage and for more information on the community change grant, visit this webpage.

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