The City of New Orleans announced on April 16 that the state Legislature’s House Local and Municipal Committee has unanimously approved House Bill 573, a measure aimed at reforming the Sewerage and Water Board. The bill was introduced by Representative Stephanie Hilferty and is described as the centerpiece of Mayor Helena Moreno’s legislative agenda.
This development is significant for New Orleans residents who have long expressed frustration with the operations of the city’s water utility. If enacted, the legislation would shift control of the Sewerage and Water Board to the New Orleans City Council, granting local leaders new authority to oversee, manage, and implement reforms in water services.
Mayor Moreno testified alongside Rep. Hilferty in support of House Bill 573. The bill also received unanimous endorsement from all seven members of the New Orleans City Council through a resolution authored by Council Public Works Committee Chair Jason Hughes. This supporting resolution is scheduled for consideration at the April 23 City Council meeting.
“For decades, the people of New Orleans have grown increasingly frustrated with the problems at Sewerage and Water Board. Today, we finally have light at the end of the tunnel and a pathway to significant reform through local control and massively enhanced transparency and accountability,” said Mayor Moreno. “This legislation authorizes local leaders at the City Council to legislate on operations, governance, and customer service issues through council ordinance. It enables our team to work collaboratively and in alignment with the council, the people and all stakeholders to drive change.”
The next step for House Bill 573 will be consideration on the state house floor for final passage.