BATON ROUGE, La. (WGNO) — Governor Jeff Landry has signed an executive order that creates the Governor’s Task Force for the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans on Tuesday, Feb. 27.
Landry said the 14-member task force will review the billing process, governing structure and the management and organizational structure of SWBNO.
Landry announced his appointments to the task force on Wednesday, Feb. 28.
The governor’s appointments are Paul W. Rainwater, chair, Ryan R. Berger, Lynes R. “Poco” Sloss and William Vanderbrook.
The department of transportation department appointed Secretary Joe Donahue. The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Chairman appointed, Gordon Dove. The Louisiana Department of Enviornmental Quality appointed Secretary Aurelia Giacometto.
The task force will review and identify opportunities for different governing structures or reorganization to maximize efficiency within SWBNO.
“Those who live in New Orleans are far too familiar with the frequent failures of the Sewerage and Water Board,” said Landry. “Widespread flooding and drinking water violations have become second nature to folks in Orleans Parish. The current operating status of the Sewerage and Water Board is not acceptable. Through this executive order, we will determine ways to make the board run more efficiently and guarantee tax dollars are being put to proper us.”
Leaders with SWBNO said on Tuesday, Feb. 27 that it “welcomes the attention to our utility and our city’s critical needs. We understand the importance of restoring public trust and are encouraged by the alignment of our priorities.”
SWBNO leaders said they are continuously resolving the primary obstacle, manual meter reading by having installed 4,000 smart meters citywide and expect full installation for all customers within the next few years.
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