Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry on Thursday announced his administration will honor its commitment to fun infrastructure projects for the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board.
It comes amid cool relations between the city and state governments. In July, New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno pulled a request before the state bond commission for permission to borrow $110 million to help stabilize the city's shaky finances, fearing retaliation over an Orleans grand jury's indictment of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, one of Landry's closest political allies.
The charges were later dismissed at the urging of Moreno and other city officials.
While city officials have denied involvement with the grand jury's decision to indict Murrill, Landry ordered Louisiana State Police to investigate possible criminal violations in the grand jury probe. Landry has said he has not spoken directly with the mayor since.
As for the Sewerage & Water Board announcement, Landry said: "We made a commitment to the people of Louisiana to address critical infrastructure needs, and we’re keeping it. Through the Bond Commission, we will fund the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board because infrastructure matters and the people of New Orleans deserve results. We will stand by the people of New Orleans while continuing to demand accountability from their leaders."
Mayor Moreno welcomed the announcement.
"I appreciate the collaboration with Governor Landry, Commissioner Barras, and legislative leadership on this effort and other key priorities for New Orleans," Moreno said in a statement. "A recent LSU New Orleans survey showed that infrastructure is the top concern for our residents, but the survey also showed that people are finally feeling optimistic about the direction of our city. We need to build on that momentum. The more we invest in New Orleans, the stronger, safer, and more prosperous our city will become. I look forward to continuing to work together to deliver real results for the people of New Orleans."
