The City of Shreveport’s Department of Water and Sewerage has been awarded a $3,537,919 grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to enhance infrastructure resiliency. The funding will be used to install two permanent 1250-kilowatt generators at critical water pump stations, ensuring reliable water service during natural disasters.
A special thank you goes to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senator John Kennedy, Senator Bill Cassidy, Congressman Cleo Fields, Mayor Tom Arceneaux, and his administration, and the Shreveport City Council for their support in securing this vital funding.
The need for backup power became evident during the 2021 ice storm, when two pump stations lost power, disrupting water service throughout the City, including large customers such as Barksdale Air Force Base and The Port of Caddo-Bossier. These new generators will mitigate such disruptions by providing uninterrupted service during power outages caused by extreme weather events.
“Backup electricity is critical when bad weather hits. This $3.5 million will provide generators to Shreveport so that Louisianians are prepared for the next storm,” said Senator Kennedy.
Mayor Tom Arceneaux emphasized the importance of the grant for the city’s residents and infrastructure. “This FEMA funding is a game-changer for Shreveport. It strengthens our water system and ensures that our community, businesses, and vital facilities like Barksdale Air Force Base are prepared for emergencies. I am proud of the teamwork that made this possible.”
Shreveport’s Department of Water and Sewerage is committed to improving service reliability. “This grant addresses a critical weakness in our water infrastructure,” said William Daniel, Director of Water and Sewerage. “The installation of these generators will ensure our pumping stations can maintain operations during emergencies, providing consistent water service when needed most.” We depend on the reliable electrical service provided by AEP SWEPCO, but extreme weather events can lead to unexpected outages for any utility. Installing these generators will ensure consistent pressure in our drinking water system by keeping the booster pumps running during power disruptions.
The absence of backup power was also a regulatory issue in the 2021 Louisiana Department of Health’s Sanitary Survey, referencing it as a “significant deficiency.” The installation of these generators will address this concern and continue to make significant improvements to the drinking water system.
The City of Shreveport has completed pre-bid preparations for the generators, and the project will be put out for bid as soon as approved by FEMA. Customers can expect delivery and installation of the generators within the next year, marking a significant step forward in improving the reliability of the city’s water system.
This project is part of a broader effort to enhance the resiliency and reliability of Shreveport’s
water infrastructure. Other key initiatives include:
- Water Tank Rehabilitation at Linwood and 70th, Pines Road, Caddo-Bossier Port Elevated
Storage Tank Facility Improvements, and the St. Vincent Elevated Storage Tank. - Mayo Road Water Main Extension – Thanks to funding from the Water Section Commission.
- Ford Street Water Improvements
- 2024 Bond Projects are in the design phase at the Amiss Water Treatment Plant for intake
structure repairs, transmission piping, and valve replacement.
“These critical upgrades represent our commitment to building a stronger, more reliable water
system for Shreveport,” said Daniel. “We’re grateful for this opportunity to better serve our
community, ensuring water service continues even in the face of natural disasters.”
For updates on this and other infrastructure projects, visit www.shreveportlawater.gov/.
