Provides relative to termination of the Crescent City Connection Division of the DOTD
The proposed changes in HB 935 are significant as they alter the organizational structure of transportation governance in Louisiana. By dissolving the CCCD and MRBA, the bill centralizes and consolidates control over ferries and bridges, which can lead to increased efficiency and potentially lower operational costs. The effect on state laws includes repealing several existing statutes that define the roles and responsibilities of previously established transportation authorities, thereby redefining how ferry and bridge operations are managed at the state level. As of January 1, 2013, these amendments, if enacted, would represent a considerable shift in Louisiana’s transportation legislation and governance.
House Bill 935 proposes the termination of the Crescent City Connection Division (CCCD) of the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) in Louisiana. The bill seeks to consolidate various transportation functions, effectively abolishing the Mississippi River Bridge Authority and transferring its powers and responsibilities to DOTD. One of the key proposals within this bill includes granting DOTD the authority to take control of ferry services that were previously managed by the CCCD, allowing the department to regulate and operate ferries, as well as to collect necessary fees and charges for their operations. This regulatory shift intends to streamline operations related to the transportation infrastructure in the state.
General sentiment around HB 935 appears to be favorable among those advocating for streamlined governmental operations and reduced bureaucratic overhead. Supporters argue that consolidating these functions under the DOTD will enhance accountability and efficiency in managing transportation services. However, some concerns might arise regarding the local autonomy relinquished to the state and how those changes affect regions reliant on CCCD services. Stakeholders advocating for continued local control may view the bill with skepticism, raising questions about how it will affect ferry operations in their communities.
Notable points of contention related to HB 935 include the debate over local versus state control of transportation infrastructure. Critics may argue that abolishing the MRBA and transferring its oversight to DOTD could diminish responsiveness to local needs and diminish community input into transportation issues. Additionally, the proposed authority for DOTD to privatize ferry operations could raise concerns among constituents who fear that privatization might lead to increased costs for ferry services through higher fees or reduced accessibility. The implications of these changes present a complex view of balancing state efficiency with local governance.