New Orleans, La—After a series of meetings dating back to the transition, Gov. Jeff Landry has formed historical partnerships between the State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans to revitalize the infrastructure of Metro New Orleans. In order to undertake this project, Gov. Landry has directed the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), the Division of Administration (DOA) and Louisiana Economic Development (LED) to work closely with Mayor Cantrell, CAO Gilbert Montero, the New Orleans Department of Public Works and associated city agencies, SWBNO, LSED, ASM, Downtown Development District, New Orleans Convention Center, French Quarter Management District, Jefferson Parish, Office of the Lt. Gov. and others.

“New Orleans is a first-class city, and we need to ensure that we are putting our best infrastructure and economic development foot forward as we welcome thousands of visitors for Super Bowl LIX. The story of New Orleans is the story of Louisiana, and the Super Bowl creates a catalyst for great things to happen,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “The world will be watching us, and we must take advantage of that spotlight. I appreciate everyone who has worked hard to make these partnerships possible, and I look forward to the economic development they will bring not just to the City of New Orleans, but to the entire State of Louisiana. It’s time the world truly sees everything that makes Louisiana great!”

Leadership:

“Super Bowl LIX will be the most-watched event in America for the year, and one of the most-viewed in the world – so it is an unparalleled opportunity, as well as responsibility,” said Michael Hecht, President & CEO of GNO, Inc. “Critical infrastructure improvements and compelling economic development programs will show a New Orleans and Louisiana that are world-class, one-of-a kind , and powerfully attractive to both visitors and businesses. Moreover, the Super Bowl gives us the chance for beautification, repair, and building that will benefit residents for years to come.”

"The New Orleans Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, led by the New Orleans Saints and Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, and Chaired by Entergy's Marcus Brown, are deeply appreciative of Governor Landry’s support, and providing his office’s direct involvement in ensuring that the needed infrastructure improvements and the State’s economic development efforts are successful," said Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation CEO Jay Cicero. "The Governor is ‘all in’ and his senior staff has been working for months with the Host Committee on the planning and implementation needed to take the best advantage of the unprecedented opportunity that the Super Bowl presents. We welcome the Governor’s appointment of Michael Hecht as the State’s coordinator of the State’s economic development and infrastructure efforts for the Super Bowl."

Economic Development:

LED will work in close partnership with GNO, Inc., and other economic development stakeholders around the state to create a Super Bowl business networking hub that features an interactive showcase of Louisiana’s economic assets, opportunities, diversity and growth trajectory. The on-site experience will be accompanied by an aggressive strategic messaging and marketing campaign that targets business influencers and national media.

“The eyes of the business world will be on Louisiana during Super Bowl week, and we will capitalize on that international spotlight to amplify Louisiana’s vision for economic development, competitive advantages for investment, and commitment to innovation and growth,” said Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “The Super Bowl is all about winning, and we will make sure corporate America leaves New Orleans with the lasting impression that this governor is Positioning Louisiana to Win.”

City/State Infrastructure Projects:

“Starting with the NFL Hand-Off event with Commissioner Goodell, the City of New Orleans appreciates the Leadership of Governor Jeff Landry, Saints Owner Gayle Benson and the full Louisiana Super Bowl support team,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “We look forward to continuing our unified partnership to achieve the “greater good” championship approach that will represent the State of Louisiana and City of New Orleans to score a winning gameplan for Super Bowl LIX.”

"DOTD is committed to upgrading and enhancing New Orleans's infrastructure through a strong collaborative effort with Governor Landry and supporting agencies,” said DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue. “As the world's spotlight hits Louisiana, we will be proud to showcase the results of this significant partnership. DOTD has a strong team that is energized and ready to work alongside the city of New Orleans and the surrounding parishes to show the NFL and the world that Louisiana is an ideal place for the Super Bowl and other world-class events.”

Specific projects include:

The relighting of the Crescent City Connection(CCC). The CCC’s decorative lighting system was destroyed by Hurricane Ida which created a safety hazard for both shipping and motorists. DOTD’s electrical contractor has already begun the relighting process by removing the existing system and will replace it with a modern LED type presentation. Traffic delays are anticipated as a result of this work, but the planned lane closures will conclude by the end of August of this year.
The refurbishment/improvement of highway lighting from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to the CCC. Jefferson Parish, the City of New Orleans and DOTD have embarked on a comprehensive effort to restore or replace Interstate highway lighting from the airport to the CCC, as well as on key sections of Interstate 10 stretches from the Twin Spans to the downtown New Orleans area.
Verizon, AT&T, and Cox (working collaboratively with Entergy) are undertaking significant improvements to bring 5G wireless and data to the entire downtown New Orleans area. As is the case with many of these improvements, these will remain in place long after the Super Bowl; thus enhancing quality of life across the metro area.
The DOTD is currently overseeing a project to repair structural issues at the Senator Ted Hickey Bridge, which is located adjacent to the Lakefront Airport near Hayne Blvd. The repairs are anticipated to be completed by September of this year, weather permitting. The repairs are needed after the bridge was recently struck by a marine vessel.
Poydras (Convention Center Blvd - S Claiborne), Poydras (S Galvez to S Claiborne), N. Maestri Place (St Charles Ave to Camp Street), S. Maestri Place (St Charles Ave to Camp Street), Chartres Street (Canal Street to Esplanade Ave), Frenchman Street (Esplanade Ave to Royal Street) and Dumaine Street have been identified as needing substantial repairs and improvements. This work has commenced or will commence soon.
All catch basin and culvert clearing in the downtown area will be addressed by both DOTD and the Sewage and Water Board New Orleans. Sub-surface water leaks will be repaired by S&WB of New Orleans.
Elevated Interstate barriers walls and substructure bridge piers in the Downtown area will be power washed. Roads and bridges in the area will continue to be swept for litter and other large debris within and adjacent to the highway right-of-way.
The Department of Health, Louisiana Department of Fish and Wildlife and City of New Orleans Health staff will be conducting sweeps to ensure food safety and to remove ‘pop up bars’ and unlicensed food service operators. The agents will continue to confiscate and remove unpermitted animals out of the French Quarter.
A comprehensive cleaning/power washing throughout the downtown area-roads, bridges, facades, sidewalks etc.

A weekly status meeting with all city and state stakeholders has been established to drive and coordinate Super Bowl efforts.