New Orleans gets $1.7M for Blue Bikes program expansion

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — A $1.7 million grant is set to bring more Blue Bikes and a new workforce development program to New Orleans.

According to a news release, the federal funding comes as part of U.S. Department of Energy’s Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative Energy program.

City officials said the funds will go toward expanding its Blue Bikes fleet and establishing a workforce development program to support the city’s climate and sustainability goals.

The city will work with Blue Krewe and Louisiana Green Corps to create a program that allows interns to gain hands-on experience with e-bike maintenance and operations while working to achieve the city’s goals of expanding the bikeshare program to 2,500 bicycles.

“Expanding the fleet of Blue Krewe e-bikes and training a new generation of mechanics are not just investments in clean energy and transportation, they are investments in people. This initiative aligns with the City’s Climate Action Plan by providing more sustainable transportation options for residents and paves the way for a greener, more connected future for all New Orleanians,” said Congressman Troy Carter in a news release.

City leaders said the $1.7 million is part of a $31 million announcement for local governments and 12 tribes across the country for clean energy projects.

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