WESTWEGO, La. (WGNO) — In less than three months, Jefferson Parish will celebrate its bicentennial with its largest budget yet. The Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual State of Jefferson on Tuesday to give parish leaders an opportunity to discuss current and future projects. “We like to disseminate that information as much as we can, and then specifically champion issues that are going to affect the business community, such as taxes and insurance, and infrastructure upgrades and education,” said Jefferson Chamber of Commerce President Ruth Lawson. 17-year-old arrested, accused in Kenner sex crimes investigation Over the next two decades, more than $2 billion will go towards sewer and water infrastructure improvements, and that work is already in progress. “Our 1,800 miles of subsurface pipes were installed in the 50s and 60s, so some parts are so old, there are no more replacements available,” explained Jefferson Parish Councilman At-Large Scott Walker. “We'll also see a new East Bank water treatment plant, parishwide water meter replacement with the new automated meters.” The installation of the automated water meters will start next March, beginning in Grand Isle, and it's expected to take four years. “We have over 150,000 accounts to do, but it's going to make it much more efficient,” said Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng. “It's going to have an app. You're going to be able to see your water usage. You're going to be able to check if there's a leak. It's going to help you with your budgeting. So, we're really, really excited that we're finally getting around to that project.” Black soldiers saluted after oversight at D-Day museum’s opening The parish will be celebrating its bicentennial in 2025 with a billion-dollar budget, the highest it's been in parish history. “The demands of government are greater. We have more grants, and we have more resources, like water and sewer that we're encompassing; the projects are getting larger,” explained Sheng. “So, it's over a billion dollars in our budget, so it's very meaningful for us, but it means how busy we are as a parish.” Ahead of the Super Bowl, crews will be upgrading all the I-10 roadway lights from Kenner to New Orleans to LED lights. That work may be completed as soon as December. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Jake Dalmado's position change at Nicholls is one of the most productive moves in the FCS Second line held in Treme to honor legendary New Orleans broadcaster Eric Paulsen Biden suggests Trump supporters are 'garbage' after comic's insult of Puerto Rico Two hospitalized following separate New Orleans shootings Cam Jordan helps to bring food to 'high-need' New Orleans Public Schools