Requests federal, state, and local governing authorities when contracting for coastal restoration and protection projects to give priority to Louisiana businesses.
Impact
The implementation of SCR60 is expected to impact the state's approach to coastal management and restoration projects by ensuring that local businesses are given priority. This shift is particularly important considering the state's reliance on these enterprises for economic stability. By prioritizing local companies, the resolution seeks to not only support economic growth within Louisiana but also foster a sense of ownership and responsibility in addressing environmental challenges that affect the entire state.
Summary
SCR60 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that urges and requests federal, state, and local governing authorities to prioritize Louisiana businesses when contracting for coastal restoration and protection projects. This resolution acknowledges the significant crisis faced by Louisiana, which is characterized by rapid coastal erosion threatening communities, industries, and the local culture. The intent behind the bill is to strengthen local economies and involve local businesses directly in restoration efforts, thus enhancing the state's resilience against environmental degradation.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR60 is generally positive, with supporters emphasizing the necessity of engaging local businesses in recovery efforts. Legislators appear to understand the importance of leveraging local expertise and resources in the fight against coastal erosion. However, there could be arguments regarding the balance between local priorities and broader competition, as some may feel that prioritizing local businesses could limit opportunities for external vendors with potentially more resources or expertise.
Contention
While SCR60 signals strong support for local business involvement, there could be contention about how these priorities are implemented within larger federal and state contracts. Concerns may arise regarding whether this approach could inadvertently lead to increased costs or slower project timelines if local businesses are not equipped to handle larger contracts compared to their national counterparts. The emphasis on local hiring must also be weighed against ensuring that the most qualified companies manage and execute these critical restoration projects efficiently.
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 Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority in conjunction with the Department of Natural Resources to document the costs of complying with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act in public infrastructure projects in the state of Louisiana.
Requests the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to conduct a science-based study of the adequacy of the current inland boundary of the coastal zone of Louisiana. (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Requests the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to form a subcommittee to coordinate the state's involvement in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Urges and requests Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to study the practicality and feasibility of the state authorizing tax credits for certain coastal preservation projects
Requests Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and Dept. of Natural Resources to study the feasibility of using waste tire material in flood protection and coastal restoration projects.
Requests the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to include compensatory mitigation for fisheries impacts in the calculation of project costs for coastal restoration projects contained in the coastal master plan and annual plans
Requests the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and the Department of Transportation and Development to determine what monies, state or federal, are available for flood control projects in the coastal zone or coastal area, and in the area outside the coastal area.
Requests the president of the United States to utilize all the resources of the federal government to stop the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico and to minimize its impacts on the state of Louisiana, its citizens, businesses, and wildlife and fisheries, and to expedite any necessary permits and to waive or suspend any federal requirements as necessary in order to protect Louisiana's coast, marshes, estuaries, citizens, businesses, and wildlife and fisheries.