KEY TAKEAWAYS: $2.8 million allocated to repair and upgrade city and highway lighting Major corridors targeted include High Rise bridge and Interstate 10 Funding comes from remaining Entergy fine settlement from 2018 Project includes solar and aluminum upgrades, plus hiring city electricians f or minor repairs   Mayor Helena Moreno and the New Orleans City Council announced Tuesday a $2.8 million initiative to repair and upgrade street and highway lighting across the city, including major corridors such as the High Rise bridge in New Orleans East and Interstate 10. The effort is part of Moreno’s ongoing “Lights On” initiative, which launched on her second day in office to restore basic city services and improve public safety. The program initially repaired more than 600 lights within three weeks of its launch. “This is the result of what can happen when we’re all rowing in the same direction—when we’re all in to make the major improvements across the city the people of New Orleans deserve,” Moreno said, emphasizing that the upgrades will also replace vulnerable copper infrastructure that has frequently been stolen. The $2.8 million in funding comes from remaining proceeds of a 2018 $5 million fine imposed on Entergy New Orleans for deceptive practices related to the construction of the New Orleans Power Station. City officials said these funds have been spent strategically over time, with this initiative representing the latest investment. Repairs will include replacing and upgrading lighting along major routes, converting some fixtures to solar and aluminum to reduce copper theft, and hiring additional electricians within the Department of Public Works to handle minor in-house repairs that previously required costly contracts. City council members highlighted the project’s impact on safety, mobility, and quality of life. Council President JP Morrell noted that lighting on interstate corridors has been a persistent concern, while At-Large Councilmember Matthew Willard called it “an important investment in neighborhoods, evacuation routes, and public safety.” Councilmembers Aimee McCarron, Lesli Harris, Freddie King III, Eugene Green, and Jason Hughes praised the initiative for improving visibility, safety, and reliability along critical city routes. Several emphasized the use of Entergy penalty funds as a direct investment in city infrastructure. The funding ordinance was introduced at the Jan. 28 City Council meeting and is scheduled for final approval at tomorrow’s regular council session. City officials said work is expected to begin promptly once approved, prioritizing areas with the greatest safety needs. ...read more read less