U.S. EDA provides $1.7M grant for West Monroe, Louisiana stormwater drainage

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is providing the city of West Monroe, Louisiana, a $1.7 million grant to improve a main artery for stormwater drainage in the city.

The grant will fund improvements to deteriorated portions of the Black Bayou Canal, which serves as the main artery for stormwater drainage in the city. The project will be matched with $425,260 in local funds.

The projects is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023. The act provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022.

“This substantial EDA investment will not only bring needed infrastructure improvements to the Fifth District, but it will help create jobs in our communities and grow our economy,” said Congresswoman Julia Letlow. “I’m proud to support this critical investment for the safety and emergency improvements our rural communities need.”