The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality a grant of more than $15.33 million to fund clean water projects in the state. The grant goes to the state’s Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRF), which provides low-interest, flexible loans to communities to help them improve water quality and infrastructure. These funds will be used by the state of Louisiana to provide loans and other types of financial assistance to communities and state agencies for wastewater improvements. According to the EPA, this will help improve water quality in streams, lakes, rivers and bays, benefiting aquatic life while striving for better water quality for its residents. It can also contribute to improved public health by reducing hazards such as raw sewage discharges. For more than 25 years, the CWSRF has served as the nation’s largest source of water quality financing, helping communities improve quality, protect aquatic wildlife, protect and restore water sources, and preserve our waters for recreational use. For nearly 30 years, CWSRFs have provided $105.4 billion to communities through 34,900 low-cost loans.
Just for Fun: residents of New Orleans and beyond, the inaugural fest called Faux Real New Orleans has started and will run from November 4-22, and the theme will be “Something New.” Faux/Real’s aim is to provide one-of-a-kind experiences for a wide, diverse, and adventurous audience as well as to provide a wonderful resource for theatre artists to show off their stuff on a national stage. St. Claude Avenue between Elysian Fields Avenue and Franklin Avenue will serve as a festival hub with food, a street performance pitch, central box office and information center, and several venues. Secondary centers will be established in Central City, Mid City, and other neighborhoods throughout New Orleans. Enjoy!!
