NEW ORLEANS — Problems and concerns at the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board are being put on a fast track for improvement by Governor Jeff Landry, who is forming a task force to make recommendations about its operations.
Landry says he is appointing the task force with the idea of receiving recommendations for improvements within 30 days so that some of the board’s issues can be part of the 2024 Regular Legislative session.
In his executive order that was signed Monday, Landry cites a litany of issues familiar to anyone who has lived in the city over the past several decades, years, or even as few as several months.
Citing flooding rains on December 2, 2023, and February 3 of this year, Landry cites dozens of areas where water caused flooding and road closures, as well as the mechanical issues with Turbine 4 and additional issues with backup generators.
“Whereas, these frequent floods impose financial burdens on residents and businesses, and drive up insurance costs; Whereas, the New Orleans transition team of Governor-Elect Landry found that ‘the public has lost faith in this state-chartered agency and its ability to consistently deliver effective drainage and clean water…’”
Landry’s order cited what he said were numerous failures to improve the situation of the city’s aged pipes and infrastructure despite “hundreds of millions of dollars from local, state, and federal sources…”
He also talked about billing problems and investigations, including permitting problems at the S&WB, which was a focus of WWL Louisiana investigator David Hammer.
Landry’s order said the task force would be no more than 14 people and it will review the billing processes, governing, and organization structures of the Sewerage and Water Board.
He said the task force would consist of the following:
- One person appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development
- One person appointed by the Executive Director of the Coast Protection and Restoration Authority
- One person appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality
- One person appointed by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Louisiana
- One person appointed by the Louisiana Engineering Society
- One person appointed by the Louisiana Associated General Contractors
- One person appointed by Jefferson Parish Public Works
- One person appointed by Greater New Orleans, Inc.
- One person appointed by the Business Council of New Orleans
- One person appointed by New Orleans & Company
- Four people appointed by Governor Landry
The Sewerage and Water Board issued a statement regarding the order, largely saying that it would “welcome the attention to our utility and our city’s critical needs.”
Rep. Stephanie Hilferty released the following statement on the governor's executive order:
All ideas are welcomed. We have to find new ways to protect our homes and people from the ravages of flooding and persistent billing issues. While we have been disappointed by the efforts of Sewerage & Water Board officials in the past, every day is a new day and a new opportunity for positive outcomes. If someone offers new ideas that we can put to work to fortify ourselves against the threat of rising waters, let's embrace that and put those ideas into action. I support our Governor for following through on his commitment to our city. I support him for showing he cares. I will do whatever I am asked to do when it comes to working toward a solution to the age-old problems with Sewerage and Water Board.
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