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PUBLIC WORKS LAUNCHES $1.3 MILLION STREET CONSTRUCTION PROJECT IN HISTORIC MID-CITY NEIGHBORHOOD

Section: Politics

Contact: Lesley Eugene, (504) 416-7694

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lesley Eugene, (504) 416-7694

leugene@mayorofno.com

Terry Davis, (504) 658-4972

tdavis@mayorofno.com

PUBLIC WORKS LAUNCHES $1.3 MILLION STREET CONSTRUCTION PROJECT IN
HISTORIC MID-CITY NEIGHBORHOOD

City Continues to rehabilitate roadways

NEW ORLEANS, LA (August 25, 2008) Today, the City's Department of Public
Works announced the start of street construction on sections of S.
Alexander Street, S. Hennessey Street, Tulane Avenue and Ulloa Street in
Mid-City. The project, financed through the 2000 City of New Orleans
General Obligation Fund voted on by citizens, will include the
construction of new streets, sidewalks, curbs and required
infrastructure, further enhancing the quality of life in recovering
neighborhoods.

"This project marks an important step for Mid-City, and demonstrates the
city's commitment to the citizens of New Orleans," said Robert Mendoza,
Director of Public Works. "Street reconstruction plays an important
role as a catalyst for future economic development. Mid-City has
experienced tremendous growth within the past year and it is important
that we assist in the growth of this area."

The contract to rehabilitate S. Alexander, S. Hennessey, Ulloa and
Tulane Avenue complements the rapid redevelopment of the neighborhood
which has celebrated many recovery accomplishments, including the
comeback of the Mid-City Rock N' Bowl Center, opening a new Nike Factory
store at the corner of Carrollton and Tulane Avenues and the return of
other retail establishments. In addition, the work borders The Preserve
development, one of three major housing developments being built by The
Domain Companies, located on Tulane Avenue at S. Hennessey Street. The
Preserve project will welcome its first new residents in October. The
Preserve Development includes a mixed ratio of housing at­ 60 percent
market rate and 40 percent affordable housing rates.

Mid-City is also the city's chosen site for several other major economic
initiatives, including the Louisiana State University/Veterans
Administration Medical Center complex, the Louisiana Cancer Center, and
the Criminal Justice Complex.

The announcement to repair the four streets comes almost five months
after the New Orleans City Council approved a resolution identifying
Tulane Avenue as one of its highest priorities for infrastructural
upgrades, and making it a focal point for economic growth and the city's
recovery.

"Mid-City is thriving, and it is central to our recovery as a whole
that we continue to generate new businesses and private investments in
the area," said New Orleans City Council Member Shelley Midura (District
A). "By committing to improve these streets, we are sending the strong
and clear message that we believe in the recovery and rebirth of this
historic neighborhood and support the private sector's economic
development efforts in the area."

Boh Bros., Construction Co. was awarded the nearly $1.3 million contract
to repair the four streets as part of the City's public bid process, and
New Orleans based Morphy Makofsky, Inc. handled the design work. The
project is expected to be completed by the end of 2008.

For more information call 311 or visit www.cityofno.com.

END

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