03/12/2026 | Press release | Archived content
View photos of today's event here
Watch a recording of today's press conference here
NEW ORLEANS, LA - Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) celebrated the groundbreaking of an Indoor Swimming Facility that will offer year-round water safety instructions, water aerobics for adults and seniors, and recreational swimming for residents in Algiers, Louisiana. This facility will be only 1 of 2 public swimming facilities located on the Westbank of New Orleans.
"As someone who grew up in this neighborhood swimming in the Mississippi River, I am so excited to see this project come to life," said Rep. Carter. "The Algiers Indoor Covered Swimming Facility is not just another building project; it symbolizes hope and progress for the residents of the Cut Off. Our community, which has long needed such amenities, will now have a space dedicated to year-round water safety instruction, water aerobics for adults and seniors, and recreational swimming for all ages. I am immensely grateful for the support we have received and excited about the positive impact this project will have."
Congressman Carter secured $4,000,000 for this facility through previous federal appropriations Community Project Funding for Louisiana's Second Congressional District.
"I campaigned for a stronger and better-resourced NORD," said Mayor Helena Moreno. "As mayor, through coordination with Congressman Troy Carter and Councilmember Freddie King, it is my pleasure to see part of this vision come to fruition in Algiers with the groundbreaking of this pool as we all work together to increase enrichment and recreation for all of our children and residents that use these facilities."
"I grew up in the Cutoff neighborhood of Algiers, and Congressman Carter - also a son of the Cutoff - understands this community. His investment in this new public pool will for young people a safe place to swim, learn water safety, and strengthen the fabric of the neighborhood," said • State Senator Gary M. Carter, Jr.
"This groundbreaking represents an exciting investment in the families and young people of Algiers, particularly in the Cut Off community," said State Representative Delisha Boyd. "For generations, neighborhoods like ours have relied on shared spaces where children can play, families can gather, and community pride can grow. This new pool will create opportunities for recreation, wellness, and connection for residents across Algiers. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Congressman Troy Carter and other community partners to help bring this long-awaited investment to the West Bank."
"Breaking ground on this new indoor swimming facility at the Cutoff is an exciting moment for our community. This project will create a space where families can gather, young people can stay active, and neighbors can enjoy time together. Investments like this bring valuable resources to our neighborhoods and represent another step forward in making sure every community in New Orleans is a thriving community," said Councilman Freddie King III.
"The Cut-Off Natatorium represents a meaningful investment in this neighborhood and in the well-being of the families who live here," said Larry Barabino, Jr., CEO of NORD Commission. "Access to aquatics programming helps young people build confidence and develop critical water safety skills while also creating opportunities for residents of all ages to stay active and engaged. We are proud to bring a modern aquatic facility to this community and continue expanding opportunities for New Orleanians to connect, grow, and prioritize their health.
"When completed, this pool and natatorium will be a tremendous asset to the Cut Off neighborhood and to the entire Algiers community. It represents growth, opportunity, and a continued investment in the wellbeing of our residents," said Mark Major, Algiers Development District (ADD) Chairman. "This pool and natatorium project would not be possible without the leadership and commitment of Congressman Troy Carter. Mr. Congressman, we thank you deeply for championing this effort in Washington."
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