Over half of the machines which provide antiquated 25 cycle power to drainage, water, and sewer pumps across the city’s east bank are currently out of service, the New Orleans Sewage and Water Board said, sinking the utility’s ability to quickly move water off streets during severe spring storms below its own stated needs. The […]
Category: Government & Politics
Posted inEnvironment
Leaks beneath pump stations responsible for New Orleans’ drinking water went uninvestigated for two years
Leaks from beneath one of three Sewerage and Water Board pump stations that distribute the majority of New Orleanians’ drinking water went uninvestigated by the Board for nearly two years. The drinking water leaks were discovered during major upgrades to the Claiborne Avenue Pumping Station on the northern edge of the Carrollton Water and Power […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics
New state utility regulator wants to reduce rates, introduce renewable mandates
Many see Lewis’ victory as a sign of shifting politics around renewable energy in a state where, traditionally, fossil fuels have ruled.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
City hasn’t spent bulk of $388 million in federal COVID relief, BGR report finds
The report found transparency issues with how ARPA spending was reported to the public.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council to stick with longtime utility consultants despite extensive search for alternatives
The council received no new responses to a recent public bid for new consultants, as well as a different public bid to hire a headhunter to find new consultants.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council approves 2023 budget with surprise addition of $124M in federal coronavirus relief spending
The council approved roughly $262 million in one-time spending through the budget.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Increased funding and role for independent police monitor on hold after concerns from ethics board
The ethics board argued that the city should first amend the city charter to increase the office’s minimum guaranteed funding before granting it new authority and responsibilities.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
New Orleans voters will likely decide on two more city charter amendments in 2023
The first amendment would make code enforcement an independent city department and the second is aimed at giving the council more time to scrutinize the annual budget.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
City Council significantly expands approval power over city contracts
The new ordinance will require council approval for multiyear contracts and contracts worth more than $1 million.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
New Orleans Inspector General plans wide ranging investigations into local government
Investigation targets include the Sewerage and Water Board, short-term rental enforcement and the NOPD.