Orleans Coroner Office Construction to Start Soon

Construction of a new home for the Orleans Parish Coroner's Office is expected to begin early this year.

New Orleans CityBusiness reports that the apparent low bid for the project was submitted by Construction Masters of Metairie. The company entered a nearly $11.1 million bid.

Project architect George Hero says the two-story complex will consist of two wings, one for the morgue and another for Orleans Parish Emergency Medical Services.

The coroner has operated out of temporary sites since Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005.

A $3.3 million federal grant will help pay for the new complex.

Hero says construction could begin as early as March and is expected to be completed early next year.