Press Releases

Nearly $20M to be paid by end of 2025

NEW ORLEANS, LA—The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans has expedited $20 million in reimbursements to the City of New Orleans based on funding available and is working diligently to review and reconcile the remainder due.

SWBNO has been a proud partner with the Department of Public Works (DPW) for many years on major infrastructure projects, including Joint Infrastructure Recovery Roads (JIRR), Max Pave, and bond projects. These are critical collaborative efforts to improve the quality of life in New Orleans. Since the partnership began, SWBNO has delivered $235 million toward projects with DPW.

SWBNO is committed to continuing this partnership and reimbursing the City of New Orleans in accordance with the established agreements for these collaborative projects. Of the $87.5 million owed to the city, SWBNO will pay nearly $20 million (approximately 20%) back by the end of the year.

• $6.5 million has been paid to the City from October 6, 2025 – November 17, 2025.

• For the remainder of November, an additional $4-5 million will be paid to the City.

• By the end of December, another $8-10 million will be paid to the City.

Of the remaining $67.8 million that will remain due at the end of 2025, the majority of that amount is under review or reconciliation since DPW and SWBNO both reimburse each other for various projects.

Additionally, a large portion of the remainder due either does not have an associated deadline or requires grant reimbursements from its state and federal partners, which were impacted by the government shutdown.

For example, approximately 74 percent ($65M) of the amount SWBNO owes is a result of the ongoing JIRR program. This program involves SWBNO replacing both water and sewer lines in a project area in collaboration with the City so paving and restoration work are more efficient. Funding sources for water and wastewater work are addressed separately in SWBNO’s Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the city and are primarily grant-funded by the FEMA single settlement.

• Water Project Funding: According to the CEA and funding memorandums, the City agreed to cover water-related costs until grant funding becomes available to     SWBNO. Therefore, these payments do not have a deadline associated with them. SWBNO is actively and continuously seeking funding for this work, and the utility will submit payment to the City as funding becomes available.

• Sewer Project Funding: SWBNO has the means to cover JIRR sewer work via WIFIA funds, which the utility was awarded back in 2022.

SWBNO will continue working with DPW and the City to determine the amount owed following reconciliation and will meet our obligations for collaborative projects that improve infrastructure for residents and visitors.

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