City of New Orleans Department of Public Works and Downtown Development District H&H Study and Implementation for Drainage Improvements of Downtown Development District

The Downtown Development District of New Orleans (DDD) was created by the Louisiana Legislature in 1974 as the nation’s first assessment-based business improvement district to provide enhanced services in economic development, cleaning, and safety. The DDD services the area bounded by Iberville Street, the Pontchartrain Expressway, Claiborne Avenue, and the Mississippi River.

In the summer of 2022, the DDD approved and executed a cooperative endeavor agreement with the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works (DPW) for drainage infrastructure improvements within the DDD’s footprint. The agreement is part of Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s Fair Share initiative, which established an escrow fund from which the City will be reimbursed for drainage infrastructure improvements performed in the DDD. The reimbursements will be made to the City’s Infrastructure Maintenance Fund for use by DPW.

DPW developed a plan to utilize green infrastructure methods that will improve drainage on 19 blocks located in the DDD over the first two years of the $5 million plan. Methods include upgrading five percent of the undersized drainage pipes that are below the minimum 15-inch standard and installing pervious pavement in parking lanes to hold more than one million gallons of stormwater during severe weather events.

Wingate Engineers was hired by DPW to provide the City with professional services in the design and management of drainage improvements, street/sidewalk repair and replacement, utilities, and other feature improvements within the Downtown Development District. Wingate services include but are not limited to street reconstruction or enhancement projects and transportation enhancements.

• Subsurface and surface drainage systems, water, and sanitary sewer installation
• ADA compliance at intersections and medians
• Landscape architecture enhancements
• Management of drainage asset cleaning, including CCTV and engineering assessments
• Curb, gutter, sidewalk, street surface, and other improvements
• Topographic and right of way surveys in the project area
• Environmental study services including categorical exclusions, record of environmental considerations, environmental assessments, and NEPA compliance
• 30%, 60%, 90%, and final design submittals
• Construction Administration services including pre-con meetings and bid document preparation
• Identification, assessment, and engineering design of catch basins adjustments, full-depth road patches, curb and gutter repairs, mill and overlay, and manhole adjustments
• Construction Management and Resident Inspection Service