NEW ORLEANS - Council Vice President Helena Moreno has issued the following statement regarding the recent water main break and boil water advisory:

"This morning's water main break is another clear signal of the desperate need for improvements to the city's infrastructure. I am hopeful that negotiations in Baton Rouge will lead to a boost in funds, but unfortunately much more is needed and we must act quickly. For that reason, I will bring a motion before the Council next week to begin a review of all taxes being dedicated to various entities in New Orleans. Tax dedications from all different sources total over $1 billion according to a recent BGR report. This review is long overdue, and we must ensure our tax dollars are meeting the City's greatest needs and priorities. The review process will involve the full Council along with engagement from the Administration. It will include public participation through open meetings and bring in expertise from a variety of community sources. A full report to be completed in early 2020. We cannot live in a city where lives are interrupted and possibly even put in jeopardy because of failing infrastructure. Let's have a serious conversation about where our money should go."

Councilmember Moreno is set to introduce a motion to create a special committee to review the entire dedicated-revenue picture for the city of New Orleans at the May 9th Council meeting. The committee, which is comprised of all seven Councilmembers, provides a forum for public input, inside and outside expert testimony, and eventually recommendations to help shape the City's revenue picture into the future.

###

Contact:

Andrew Tuozzolo

Chief of Staff

Office of Councilmember-at-Large Helena Moreno

AVTuozzolo@nola.gov

504.281.9882