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Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with Audubon Nature Institute, Inc (ANII) for French Market Streetcar Station Improvements
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DESCRIPTION: Request Board authorization for the Chief Executive Officer to execute a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) and Audubon Nature Institute, Inc. (Audubon) to permit Audubon-funded station-area improvements at the French Market Streetcar Station, at no cost to the RTA |
AGENDA NO: Click or tap here to enter text. |
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ACTION REQUEST: ☒ Approval ☐ Review Comment ☐ Information Only ☐ Other |
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Audubon Nature Institute, Inc. for French Market Streetcar Station improvements at no cost to the RTA.
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ISSUE/BACKGROUND:
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The RTA owns and operates the Riverfront Streetcar line, including the French Market Station. Audubon Nature Institute, Inc. (Audubon) is currently leading an initiative, called the Riverfront for All project, to connect existing parks along the Mississippi River by redeveloping the Governor Nicholls Street Wharf. Audubon has proposed to undertake certain station-area improvements at the French Market Station to enhance the appearance of the station and pedestrian access in coordination with its work at the adjacent Wharf. Audubon has proposed to do this work at its sole cost and at no cost to the RTA. The work would be designed and performed in coordination with RTA service, safety, and branding requirements.
The proposed Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the RTA and Audubon is the mechanism by which Audubon will design, permit, and construct these improvements. The CEA outlines the respective responsibilities of the RTA and Audubon to ensure successful design, coordination, implementation, and acceptance of the improvements. The draft CEA is included here as an attachment. RTA and Audubon are advancing the draft CEA through both parties’ legal review process. The final version of the CEA will look largely similar to the draft version included here. The resolution adopted by the Board would give RTA’s CEO the authority to execute a final version of the CEA with the prior review and approval of RTA’s Legal department.
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DISCUSSION:
The principal components of the CEA are as follows:
• Audubon’s obligations to design, permit, and construct the Station improvements at its sole cost, including compliance with RTA safety, operations, accessibility, and branding standards.
• RTA’s obligations to review design documents, coordinate access, and provide safety briefings. Provisions for transferring the Station improvements to RTA upon RTA’s acceptance, with Audubon providing a one-year warranty.
• Standard termination, indemnification, and insurance provisions.
• Other standard CEA provisions such as jurisdiction, choice of law, and non-assignment clauses.
The CEA enables the French Market Station improvements to proceed with beneficial enhancements at no financial cost to the RTA.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact to the RTA, as Audubon will bear all costs associated with the design and construction of the improvements. RTA will continue to maintain the station following completion of the improvements as it currently does.
NEXT STEPS:
Upon Board approval, staff will finalize the CEA with Audubon; both parties will execute the document; and design and permitting will commence on the French Market Station improvements.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. CEA with Audubon Nature Institute, Inc.
Prepared By: Rafe Rabalais, rrabalais@rtaforward.org
Title: Director of Capital Projects
Reviewed By: Dwight Norton, dnorton@rtaforward.org
Title: Chief of Planning and Capital Projects Officer
Reviewed By: Gizelle Johnson Banks
Title: Chief Financial Officer
11/6/2025
Lona Edwards Hankins Date
Chief Executive Officer