Congressman Carter Secures Extension of Federally Funded Repair Project for New Orleans Morris F.X. Jeff Sr. Municipal Auditorium
September 14, 2026
Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended the deadline for the $38 million Morris F.X. Jeff Sr. Municipal Auditorium renovation project through February 2028. The authorized timeline for this Hurricane Katrina recovery project had expired on December 31, 2025, leaving the project’s future uncertain. This extension follows advocacy by Congressman Carter, the Louisiana federal congressional delegation, and partners in state and local government.
“The deterioration of this historic building in the heart of our city has been a symbol of Katrina’s devastation for over 20 years,” said Rep. Carter. “Now, the project has the resources and certainty needed to turn the Municipal Auditorium into a symbol of renewal. FEMA’s partnership and resources have been the backbone of Louisiana’s rebuilding efforts, and these projects represent a federal commitment to the people of Louisiana to build back stronger. This extension honors that commitment as an investment in both New Orleans’ history and its future. I’m proud to have worked with our delegation to secure this extension and will continue to fight for all the funding our community needs.”
“This extension protects approximately $38 million in federal investment and, just as importantly, gives us the opportunity to do the work necessary to get the Municipal Auditorium ready for future redevelopment,” said Mayor Moreno. “Without this extension, it would have been extremely difficult to move this building toward a viable future. I want to thank FEMA and GOHSEP for working with us to get this critical extension approved, Congressman Troy Carter for his continued advocacy and partnership, and Steve Nelson, who leads my infrastructure team, for pushing this project forward and helping us reach this important milestone. After more than 20 years, we finally have a clear path and a firm deadline. This extension isn’t permission to wait — it’s our opportunity to get the job done. The clock is running, and so are we.”
The Morris F.X. Jeff Sr. Municipal Auditorium, a historic 95-year-old venue located within Tremé neighborhood’s Armstrong Park, once served as the city’s premier venue for Mardi Gras balls, graduation parties, and touring concert acts. The venue has sat vacant for over 20 years since Hurricane Katrina damaged it in August 2005.
During the storm, the five-story building suffered severe roof damage and took on several feet of water. The basement, which housed the building’s electrical and mechanical systems, was inundated, destroying the systems.
The Morris F.X. Jeff Sr. Municipal Auditorium project will include removing asbestos, replacing the roof, and repairing the exterior to prevent further water intrusion and mold damage to the 95-year-old building. Earlier this year, Congressman Carter pressed Secretary Markwayne Mullin, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in a committee hearing to grant time extensions for these projects to ensure they are completed responsibly.
Additionally, Congressmen Carter and Steve Scalise sent letters this past December and February to the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security supporting the state’s extension requests for active Hurricane Katrina recovery projects in Louisiana.
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