The City of Monroe City-Wide Storm Drainage & Sanitary Sewer project will provide critical infrastructure improvements for drainage systems to safeguard the well-being and safety of residents. Various areas throughout Monroe show signs of deterioration within its infrastructure resulting high levels of Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) which affects both drainage and sewer.
The state is known to experience severe weather events that can produce high levels of flooding. The City of Monroe has identified the areas affected by continuous flooding events and intends to rehabilitate and construct drainage infrastructure including various inlets, catch basins, and pipes to prevent additional damage.
Since December 2023, the City has made significant progress improving its subsurface drainage system. Crews have removed approximately 1,122 cubic yards of debris, equal to 94 truckloads, from drainage infrastructure. This work is supported by extensive cleaning and inspection efforts, including 59,586 linear feet of pipe cleaned and inspected, 104,436 linear feet of pipe heavy‑cleaned, 54 catch basins heavy‑cleaned, and 1,317 catch basins inspected. These actions reflect the City’s ongoing commitment to reducing stormwater risks for residents and businesses across Northeast Louisiana.
During the same period, the City has advanced maintenance of its sanitary sewer system to improve reliability and reduce infiltration. Crews have cleaned and inspected 27,536 linear feet of sanitary sewer lines, performed heavy cleaning on an additional 5,662 linear feet, and inspected 150 manholes. This work has resulted in the removal of 54 cubic yards of sewer‑related debris, equal to 5 truckloads. While these efforts demonstrate meaningful progress, continued investment and coordinated action remain essential to fully address long‑term infrastructure challenges.
To address drainage challenges and to more efficiently route stormwater threats, federal funding will enable the City to:
- Remove and properly dispose of damaged/deteriorated inlets, catch basins, and piping;
- Remove and properly dispose of pavement (flexible and rigid) associated with below grade repairs;
- Install and/or adjust approximately 101 inlets and catch basins;
- Install approximately 2,052 LF of stormwater piping (12” – 18”); and
- Install at-grade pavement (flexible and rigid) associated with below grade repairs.
- In addition to this, funding support will better position the City to monitor potential areas of concern in Monroe that otherwise would not have been identified and classify needed improvements accordingly for the City of Monroe Public Works Department.
As more people continue choosing Monroe as their home, more pressure is placed on City resources. This funding will address needed improvements and upgrades, while increasing economic development opportunities for residents and businesses. As Monroe continues to experience expansion and population growth, it is imperative the City has the necessary resources to maintain a safe, accessible, and thriving communities.