Louisiana authorities are clearing a homeless encampment around Caesars Superdome in New Orleans ahead of next month's Super Bowl.
Governor Jeff Landry (Republican, Louisiana) announced a sweep Monday's executive order frames a “homelessness strategy” as a way to secure areas across the state in advance of major events.
The news comes after a terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day in which a man drove a pickup truck down busy Bourbon Street, killing 14 people.
In his announcement, Landry said the executive order will help homeless people living in public spaces near locations where activities take place, including Caesars Superdome, the French Quarter, Interstate 10, and Route 90. He said emergency funds would be provided to help.
Landry cited terrorist attacks, recent fires under interstates, frigid temperatures and the destruction of streetcar lines as rationales for the homeless solution.
“As we begin to welcome the world to the city of New Orleans for both Super Bowl LIX and Mardi Gras, it is in the best interest of the safety and security of all citizens to provide a humane and safe haven without housing. ” Landry said in a statement.
Last week, the Louisiana Supreme Court struck down a restraining order that had prevented police from clearing encampments in the city. People were given “relocation notices” near the football stadium and given warnings if they did not comply. Associated Press reported.
As of Wednesday morning, state police said there would be buses gathering people at the camp, telling them to pack their belongings in boxes, and taking them to a “transitional center.” The AP noted that the center is located in a fenced warehouse several miles away.
Critics argue that the expensive move to the center is a stopgap solution because the state has spent more than $16 million on warehouses and has not provided permanent housing.
According to Landry's announcement, some people with “means” will be given “out-of-state” bus and train tickets.
Mike Steele, a spokesman for the governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, told The Associated Press that details of the out-of-state relocation plan are not yet clear, but it will be voluntary.
Landry's announcement said homeless people who have jobs will receive priority housing vouchers.
“My administration will work with stakeholders across the state to enact legislative changes that create the framework necessary to properly move people from homelessness into housing in a coherent, phased plan. ” states the governor's release.
The Associated Press contributed.
