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, improve, or
operate projects relative to restaurants, retail outlets, offices, parking, entertainment, and similar
activities. Proposed law further authorizes 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 entity; proposed law eliminates this prohibition.
Present law authorizes "expansion projects" for the Earnest N. Morial-New Orleans Exhibition
Hall (convention center), including Phase III and IV. Proposed law authorizes a Phase V
expansion 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 authority, the public component of
which is divided into the following four stages:
(1)Stage 1-Public infrastructure improvements on Convention Center Blvd., from Poydras St. to Orange St., including utility and traffic improvements, and a 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 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. Such projects shall
neither impair nor reduce current vehicular traffic capacity in that area, particularly with
respect to any improvements in the vicinity of Convention Center Blvd. and Poydras and
Orange Streets.
(2)Stage 2-Development of a riverfront festival park along the 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)Stage 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. Such
projects shall neither impair nor otherwise adversely affect vehicular access to the
facilities of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans which are or may be
accessed in the future via Henderson Street.
(4)Stage 4-Renovation, restoration, construction, or demolition of the New Orleans World
Trade Center buildings and site preparation for the development of a riverfront festival
park. Activity associated with the modification or demolition of the World Trade Center
and the development and operation of the park will be conducted in a fashion which
ensures no interference with or adverse effect upon the main line trackage of the New
Orleans Public Belt Railroad.
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 revenue bonds in one or more series for the purpose of
providing funds to finance the Phase V expansion project, in accordance with present law.
Proposed law further provides that proposed law shall not impair outstanding bonded debt
obligations of the authority, and that to any extent that any provision of proposed law is
inconsistent with present law, proposed law shall prevail.
Proposed law further provides that provisions of proposed law shall not affect, alter, or diminish
any rights or powers of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans with respect to
any property it owns, operates, or administers. Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial veto.
(Amends §§4(intro. para.), 4D, 4G, 4M, 20A, and 23 of Act No. 305 of the 1978 R.S., as
amended; Adds §20F of Act No. 305 of the 1978 R.S., as amended)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Ways and Means to the original
bill.
1. Added provision prohibiting Stage One projects from reduction or impairment of
current vehicular traffic capacity.
2. Added provision prohibiting Stage Three projects from diminishment or impairment
of vehicular access to facilities of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New
Orleans via Henderson Street.
3. Added provision that Stage Four may include renovation, restoration, or construction
of the World Trade Center site.
4. Added provisions that Stage Four activities may include development of "other
buildings and structures".
5. Added provisions prohibiting Stage Four activities from interfering with the main line
trackage of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad.
6. Added provisions that proposed law shall not affect or diminish any rights or powers
of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans.