NEW ORLEANS – The City of New Orleans Office of Resilience & Sustainability (ORS) announced today that it has been awarded $9.3 million from the Federal Highway Administration's Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (FHWA CFI) grant program, as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This transformative investment will add approximately 58 publicly available electric vehicle (EV) chargers across the city, with 66 percent of these installations located in disadvantaged communities as designated by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool.
“This $9.3 million federal award represents a transformative investment in our communities, especially those that have been historically underserved,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “By prioritizing equity and access, we are ensuring that clean, sustainable transportation is available to all New Orleanians, not just a select few.”
Combustion of petroleum gas and diesel in cars, trucks, and buses on roads in New Orleans accounts for about half of the city’s total greenhouse gas emissions. The City set a goal of 40 percent of passenger and light-duty vehicles being electric within the city by 2035 in the latest Climate Action Plan. To reach this goal, it is critical that the charging infrastructure for these vehicles is widely accessible throughout New Orleans neighborhoods.
“I am thrilled to announce this groundbreaking investment to expand electric vehicle infrastructure across New Orleans,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02). “These new EV chargers, strategically placed in every district and focused on underserved communities, represent a bold step forward in ensuring equitable access to clean transportation. By leveraging partnerships with institutions like Dillard University and Xavier University, we are fostering innovation while empowering our communities. This funding highlights the importance of sustainability, resilience, and economic opportunity for all New Orleans residents. Together, we are driving progress toward a cleaner, greener future!”
This federal award supports ongoing efforts led by ORS to create the City’s first Electric Transportation Roadmap, a strategic plan to expand access to clean transportation options and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While the roadmap is still under development and expected to be published by spring 2025, initiatives like this grant align with its goals to promote equitable access to EV infrastructure, improve air quality, and stimulate local economic opportunities.
“The development of the Electric Transportation Roadmap will provide a blueprint for building a cleaner, more equitable transportation system for all New Orleanians,” said Greg Nichols, Deputy Chief Resilience Officer and Director of the Office of Resilience & Sustainability. “This award is a tangible example of how federal funding is helping us achieve our climate action goals, while also breaking down barriers to equitable access to electric vehicles.”
The new EV chargers, including Level 2 and DC Fast Chargers, will be installed at publicly owned locations across all five City Council districts, ensuring citywide coverage and accessibility. The sites were selected based on a community survey conducted in 2021.
Additionally, Dillard University and Xavier University will host chargers on their campuses, representing critical partnerships to support local communities and advance shared sustainability goals. By hosting EV chargers, these universities are helping to expand access for students, staff, and surrounding communities, while reinforcing New Orleans’ leadership in sustainable innovation.
“We are proud to host EV chargers on our campus as part of our community’s larger goal of sustainability,” said Xavier University of Louisiana President Reynold Verret. “Xavier’s commitment to creating a more just and humane society encompasses such innovation and thoughtfulness.”
“We are grateful that the City of New Orleans partnered with Dillard University on this innovative grant," said Dillard University President Dr. Monique Guillory. “This funding will provide green fueling opportunities to our Gentilly community and highlight clean energy at Dillard University. Dillard is cultivating leaders committed to sustainability and resiliency to propel New Orleans into a brighter future for us all.
This project will be in addition to the Electric Vehicle Charger Program run by Entergy New Orleans, in partnership with the City of New Orleans, which has installed 30 charging stations at 25 locations across the city. These chargers are primarily located at public facilities such as libraries and public parks.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s Federal Infrastructure Task Force, led by ORS, has now secured $140 million in federal funding from IIJA and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), including this latest investment. Established in 2022, the Task Force identifies opportunities for federal grants to support local infrastructure and climate funding needs and priorities, ensuring that New Orleans remains a leader in resilience and sustainability initiatives.
