New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was schedule to join Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, the New Orleans Legislative Delegation, New Orleans City Council members and New Orleans hospitality industry leaders "to announce an agreement on the infrastructure funding deal" today.
Instead, she sent a notice shortly before midnight that the "press conference has been cancelled."
It comes after weeks of a very public battle between the mayor and local tourism leaders. It appeared they had found common ground and were prepared to publicly kiss and make up. Instead, we have more controversy.
Cantrell said on social media, "It's more important that we get it right than that we get it 'right now'."
She indicates that the deal was not done before her office announced the news conference.
"We have a responsibility to get this right, and make sure all the details are right. It’s important."
Cantrell says that the agreement will potentially impact generations of New Orleans residents.
The news conference was set for 10:00am today on the steps of the Louisiana State Capitol.
Cantrell wants a portion of the funding from tourism revenue dedicated to drainage and other infrastructure needs in New Orleans.