Urge and request the United States Army Corps of Engineers to exercise all available options in the awarding of contracts for United States Army Corps of Engineers' projects within the state of Louisiana to Louisiana companies, contractors, and subcontractors and to report on a quarterly basis to the Department of Economic Development and Louisiana's Legislature the percentage of Louisiana businesses receiving United States Army Corps of Engineers' contracts for projects within Louisiana.
Impact
SCR4 signifies a legislative push towards reinforcing local economic development by ensuring that state residents benefit from federal contracting opportunities. By directing the Army Corps of Engineers to focus on Louisiana’s local workforce, the resolution fosters job creation and community involvement in significant federal projects. The anticipated outcome is that increased local participation in these projects will contribute positively to the state’s economic revival, facilitating growth for local contractors while addressing the specific needs of the community.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 4 (SCR4) is a resolution urging the United States Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize Louisiana-based companies, contractors, and subcontractors when awarding contracts for projects within the state. Given the unique environmental and physical conditions in Louisiana, the resolution emphasizes the importance of employing local professionals with pertinent experience. It also seeks to enhance local economic recovery, especially as Louisiana seeks to rebuild and thrive post-natural disasters. SCR4 requests a quarterly report by the Corps on the percentage of contracts awarded to Louisiana businesses, providing an avenue for accountability and transparency in contracting processes.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR4 is largely positive among state legislators and local business advocates, who view it as a necessary step to strengthen Louisiana's economy and support local industries. Proponents of the resolution express optimism about fostering a collaborative relationship between the state and federal organizations that could bolster community recovery efforts. However, opposition may arise from out-of-state contractors who feel that this focus on local businesses could restrict competitive bidding and limit opportunities for non-Louisiana firms.
Contention
One notable point of contention is the balance between prioritizing local businesses and maintaining a competitive procurement process. While advocates argue that local firms should be given preference given their contextual knowledge and ability to navigate Louisiana's specific challenges, critics may contend that such preferences could restrict competition and inflate costs. The resolution aims to leverage local expertise and workforce capabilities, but it must also ensure that the federal contracting process remains open and fair to various competitors to foster optimal outcomes.
Requests the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to incorporate the East Biloxi Shoreline Barrier Zone as a vital component in the state and federal master plans for coastal restoration and storm protection.
Requests the United State Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Coast Guard to gather information learned during the 2011 Mississippi River floods and update plans for future flooding conditions on the river.
Requests that the United States Army Corps of Engineers maintain a minimum of 9 foot deep by 200 foot wide channel to allow safe and reliable barge transportation on the J. Bennett Johnston Waterway
Expresses opposition to the "One Lake" project proposing to dam the Pearl River and to build a 1,500 acre lake near Jackson, Mississippi and requests the United States Army Corps of Engineers to deny a pending permit for the project.
A RESOLUTION urging the United States Congress and the United States Army Corps of Engineers to assist with the prevention and mitigation of flood damage in Kentucky.
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.