NEW ORLEANS, LA - On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the Quality of Life and Public Works Committees held a joint meeting to receive presentations from the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) and from Stephen Nelson, the Director of the Department of Public Works (DPW).
Updates from SWBNO
Representatives from SWBNO gave a presentation before the joint committee, providing updates on key matters, including infrastructure improvements, Dwyer Canal updates, and catch basin cleaning.
Before the presentation began, SWBNO confirmed that a fire hydrant in New Orleans East had broken. The agency is working to address the break and has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for a portion of New Orleans East.
Read the related Press Release from SWBNO here.
Regarding active and planned infrastructure projects, representatives acknowledged the city's aging water and sewer infrastructure. SWBNO's Immediate Action Plan for urgent transmission main repairs includes work underway at South Claiborne Avenue and 3rd Street, and it is exploring advanced leak-detection technologies, such as satellite imagery, drones, AI analysis, and trenchless repair methods.
Representatives also addressed several sewer-related emergencies and environmental concerns. SWBNO provided an update on the Industrial Canal sewer force main break, which released approximately 50 million gallons of sewage before discharge ceased in late April. The agency described repair efforts, sewer flow rerouting, and monitoring to protect public health.
SWBNO also provided updates on Dwyer Canal, where smoke and dye testing, sewer repairs, pump station upgrades, and blockage removal are underway to address contamination and infiltration. SWBNO warned that bacterial levels in some areas remain elevated and advised the public to avoid contact with affected waters during repairs.
Finally, SWBNO reviewed drainage and storm readiness efforts ahead of hurricane season. The agency reported progress on contractor-led catch basin cleaning in neighborhoods, including Treme and the Lower Garden District, and has continued to address ongoing 311 requests related to catch basins and drainage. Additionally, SWBNO confirmed that all departments are on track to meet hurricane preparedness goals before June 1, with emergency planning, contract work, and supply checks underway.
To view the full presentation, click here.
JIRR Progress Update
Director of the Department of Public Works, Stephen Nelson, provided Joint Infrastructure Recovery Request (JIRR) Progress Updates.
The JIRR Program is advancing infrastructure in New Orleans, with 91 projects on 4,786 blocks completed before 2025 and 15 projects on 762 blocks reaching substantial completion in 2025. The city consolidated 19 projects into seven groups to improve efficiency, and contractors are now building all groups. There are 21 active projects overall. The program emphasizes full-depth street reconstruction to enhance durability and reduce future risks.
The JIRR Reinvestment Phase (RR408) generated about $100 million in savings and is expected to fund roughly 100 additional blocks of street replacement at no additional cost to the city or taxpayers.
The presentation also covered ongoing cash flow tracking for various projects and noted that improved contractor scheduling will enhance cost-loaded scheduling starting in 2026. The city has requested an extension of the FEMA Period of Performance from July 1, 2026, to December 1, 2028, and has remained compliant with FEMA reporting.
To view the full presentation, click here.