The New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board is fighting to hold on to the status quo

The New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board opposes legislation that would give the City Council more authority over the agency. The bill was brought by State Representative Stephanie Hilferty and backed by Mayor Helena Moreno’s administration. It would allow the City Council to pass ordinances that could edit the utility’s billing and allow them to establish different procedures for rate approval. This comes after five water main breaks in six weeks earlier this year and a demand by Mayor Moreno for a clear plan on how S&WB might replace the 33 miles of 100-year-old pipes laid throughout city infrastructure. Louisiana State Representative Stephanie Hilferty joins Newell to talk about the bill.