Utilities, Water, and Transportation
New Orleans drainage was historically the responsibility of property owners; but with constant flooding and outbreaks of yellow fever, the city government began intervening in drainage management as early as 1835. Drainage, water purification, electricity, and transportation continue to be managed in some form by municipal or quasi municipal agencies. The record collections below describe the municipal involvement with the City’s utilities, water, and transportation, including records of the Sewerage and Water Board, City Council committees, the Sanitation Department, NOPSI and the RTA.