City aims to lure industry to New Orleans East
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Mayor Helena Moreno wants to transform New Orleans East into the city's next economic engine by preparing land for new industries and jobs.
Why it matters: Previous administrations also promised jobs and economic opportunities that have yet to materialize in a meaningful way.
The big picture: Moreno told a crowd gathered last week at Delgado's New Orleans East facility that this time will be different because she already has public-private partners and a list of action items.
- "We are no longer waiting for opportunity to come and find New Orleans East," Moreno said. "We are preparing for it and making sure that this will be the desired site."
- She called the announcement one of the biggest she's made in her political career.
- The strategy is to improve commercial sites to make it easier for industries and businesses to build in the East.
- Delgado and others will train locals to fill those jobs. Leaders say shops, restaurants and services will follow.
Zoom in: The initiative focuses on two geographic corridors in New Orleans East.
- Michoud innovation corridor: Runs along Almonaster Avenue and is anchored by NASA Michoud. It focuses on aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
- Port and logistics corridor: Runs along I-510 and is centered on the future Louisiana International Terminal. It focuses on advanced maritime commerce, transportation and supply chain industries.
State of play: The money remains the biggest unknown. The city is in a fiscal crisis, and local leaders aren't counting on state funds in the current political climate.
- For this plan, Moreno and Jeff Schwartz, the deputy mayor for economic development, say they are working with Entergy and other partners to apply for federal funds.
- Officials haven't released a proposed budget, saying they are still getting estimates for the infrastructure improvements.
How it will work: The city and its partners will identify sites, improve them and get them certified for development.
- State Rep. Dana Henry is leading a separate effort to track down ownership of largely unimproved land.
- City leaders and GNO Inc. will then market the land. Moreno says officials are considering possible incentives and zoning modifications to lure companies.
The bottom line: "You're not going to feel the change immediately," says Councilmember Jason Hughes, who represents the East.
- "You're not going to feel it tomorrow or next week or next month or even next year. But (these corridors) will be transformational for New Orleans East."
