DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Leger HB No. 516
Abstract: Expands the authority of the Ernest N. Morial-New Orleans Exhibition Hall
Authority, including authorization of a Phase V expansion project.
Present law (uncodified) creates the Ernest N. Morial-New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority
("authority"). The purpose of the authority is to acquire, construct, reconstruct, extend, improve,
maintain, and operate projects within the city of New Orleans in order to promote the economic
growth and development of the city and its neighboring parishes. Proposed law retains present
law.
Present law defines "project" as any convention, exhibition, or tourist facility, other than lodging
facilities, and the necessary furnishings, machinery, equipment, and items incidental thereto.
Proposed law specifically removes the limitation relative to lodging facilities and allows for site
improvements and infrastructure relative to the authorized projects.
Present law authorizes the authority to enter into contracts to acquire, construct, reconstruct,
extend, improve, maintain, or operate projects relative to restaurants, retail outlets, offices,
parking, entertainment, and similar activities. Proposed law further authorizes the authority to
enter into such contracts relative to hotels.
Present law exempts the authority from state law on the letting of public contracts for the making
of any public works or for the purchase of any materials or supplies as it relates to any lease or
sublease for allied services such as restaurants, retail outlets, offices, and entertainment.
Proposed law further extends such exemption to hotel services.
Present law authorizes the authority to incur debt and issue bonds. Proposed law retains this
authorization. However, present law specifically precludes the authority from utilizing
nontraditional tax-free bonds from any source when such use would benefit any properties being
developed by a private person, firm, or corporation; proposed law eliminates this prohibition.
Present law authorizes "expansion projects" including Phase III and IV. Proposed law authorizes
Phase V which will allow a joint venture between the authority and a private entity for a tourism
development plan to enhance the Convention Center and install basic infrastructure to facilitate
private development on property owned by the Exhibition Hall Authority, the public component
of which is divided into the following four stages:
(1)Public infrastructure improvements on Convention Center Blvd., from Poydras St. to Orange St., including utility improvements, redevelopment of traffic lanes, and a linear
park and pedestrian mall; public infrastructure improvements by Henderson St.,
Tchoupitoulas St., Orange St., and the Mississippi River flood wall to extend Convention
Center Blvd. from Henderson St. to Orange St., including a traffic circle, public utility
infrastructure to support anticipated private development, and soil remediation; and the
relocation of existing power lines along Convention Center Blvd. and the incorporation of
a "people mover" system along Convention Center Blvd., from Poydras St. to Orange St.
(2)Development of a riverfront festival park along the Mississippi River at existing wharfs,
providing access to the river through the development of approximately five acres for
recreational, hospitality, commercial, and residential use; and development of Riverfront
Festival Park infrastructure, including public utilities, lighting, and landscaping.
(3)Integration of the Convention Center with its surrounding urban areas through the
renovation of the south end of the existing Convention Center by creating a new south
entrance; incorporation of a new kitchen and restaurant facility at the south end of the
Convention Center; development of an executive conference center to be integrated as
part of a new, privately developed hotel; and relocation of existing Convention Center
functions currently at the south end of the facility to accommodate a new entrance and
connection to the combined executive conference center and hotel.
(4)Demolition of the New Orleans World Trade Center buildings and site preparation to
facilitate the creation and development of a riverfront festival park.
Proposed law provides that without reference to any other provision of the Constitution or of
laws of Louisiana, the authority is authorized from time to time, with the approval of the State
Bond Commission, to issue its negotiable bonds in one or more series for the purpose of
providing funds to finance Phase V, in accordance with present law; said bonds to be payable
from all revenues derived by the authority as more particularly set forth in the resolution
providing for their issuance.
Proposed law further provides that the Act does not nor is it intended to impair outstanding
bonded debt obligations of the authority, and to any extent that any provision of the Act is
inconsistent with other laws, the Act prevails.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial veto.
(Amends Sections 4(intro. para.), 4D, 4G, 4M, 20A, and 23 of Act No. 305 of the 1978 R.S., as
amended; Adds Section 20F of Act No. 305 of the 1978 R.S., as amended)