Following the New Year’s terror attack in New Orleans, the city increased security measures. Now, the company that provided the upgraded security equipment claims the city owes them money.
The security improvements included barriers to prevent vehicles from plowing into crowds.
Peter Whitford, CEO of Meridian Rapid Defense Group, says the city still owes his company about $1.3 million.
“I don’t think frustration comes into anything,” Whitford said. “I think we understand business, and we understand when things are not budgeted, there’s always going to be a delay. The services we provided earlier this year to the city of New Orleans — with the mayor and with Colin Arnold, the director of Homeland Security — have all had their payment invoices approved. It’s $1.3 million for the work we did in January, February, March, and the beginning of April. This was an event that no one ever wanted, so when that happens, these are unbudgeted items. When they’re not budgeted, we want to make sure we’re working with the city to ensure that they have the funds available. We don’t expect the city to have available funds for unbudgeted items. The city has been very good in the way that they’ve handled this, and now we’re getting payment in the month of August. We’re delighted with that.”
Whitford said the city used hundreds of barriers, dozens of gates, and services around the French Quarter and Frenchman Street.
“The product was very effective for them,” Whitford said. “They used our Archer barriers. We were concerned about some areas, so we were able to secure those. A field specialist was provided down there to continue ongoing planning with the police and the public works department. We provided services to ensure that whatever was deployed was put out properly.”
Whitford said his services and resources were used frequently.
“I think Colin Arnold should be congratulated,” Whitford said. “He stepped up and made sure the right equipment was there at the right time. We have no frustration and are delighted to continue working with the city.”
WDSU asked how the payment process would work.
“That’s really a question you’d have to ask the CAO of the city,” Whitford said. “Our job is to provide services and equipment. It’s up to the city to figure out where they’ll get the funds. I would expect payment by the end of August. First of all, I’d like to thank the city for really starting to understand the importance of public safety.”
Whitford said part of the $1.3 million deal includes improvements to the yellow Archer barriers on Bourbon Street.
“The barriers that currently exist in New Orleans — those that New Orleans owns — we’re going to get those refurbished, painted, and stickered so they reflect the spirit of New Orleans and look brand new,” Whitford said.
WDSU asked the city for a comment regarding payment and the resources used.
A spokesperson for the city told WDSU the city is working toward a resolution regarding this issue.
Stay with WDSU on this developing story.
READ MORE:New Orleans owes $1.3M for New Year’s terror attack security upgrades, says CEO
