Louisiana House Bill HCR146

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/2/11
• Engrossed: 6/6/11

Caption

Urge and request the Department of Transportation and Development and the Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration to study the feasibility of creating a regional levee district made up of the parishes of Vermillion, Iberia and St. Mary

Impact

The bill's impact on state laws is primarily consultative; it does not enact specific laws or regulations but rather calls for a comprehensive study that could lead to future legislative actions. By urging a formal evaluation of a regional levee district, the bill seeks to pave the way for more coordinated flood protection efforts. If the study finds the formation of such a district viable, it could result in legislative actions aimed at creating new statutes or amending existing ones associated with flood management and regional governance.

Summary

HCR146 urges the Department of Transportation and Development and the Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration to study the feasibility of creating a regional levee district that includes the parishes of Vermilion and Iberia. This initiative stems from the increasing need for effective flood management solutions to address the impacts of severe weather events, such as hurricanes and flooding, witnessed in Louisiana's history. The proposed regional levee district aims to enhance emergency response capabilities while improving overall flood protection across parish lines, acknowledging that floodwaters do not respect jurisdictional boundaries.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HCR146 appears to be generally positive, as there is a recognition of the critical need for enhanced flood protection infrastructure in vulnerable areas. Stakeholders, including local government officials and residents who have previously faced devastating flooding, are likely to support the idea of improved coordination and resource management. However, potential contention could arise around the specifics of how a regional levee district would be governed and funded, as well as concerns about the effectiveness of additional bureaucracy versus direct action.

Contention

While there is broad support for studying the feasibility of a regional levee district, notable points of contention may arise during discussions about implementation. Critics may question the adequacy of funding for such initiatives or how the regional district would interact with existing local infrastructure and agencies. Concerns about the long-term sustainability and maintenance of any new flood control measures could also be raised, reflecting on both environmental and economic implications of such a proposal.