Edwards to sign infrastructure, casino measures

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards has scheduled two bill-signing ceremonies in New Orleans.

Friday's events mark passage of legislation important to city tourism as well as efforts to repair streets, drainage systems and other infrastructure.

Edwards scheduled an afternoon appearance at the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans. There he planned to sign bills increasing revenue for city infrastructure. Those measures include a 1% increase in the tax on New Orleans hotel rooms and — subject to voter approval — an increase in taxes on short-term rental units.

Later, he'll sign a measure extending Harrah's contract to operate Louisiana's land-based New Orleans casino for 30 years. An extension effort had failed last year amid questions about whether it offered enough to the state.