Louisiana Senate Bill SCR60

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/6/13
• Refer: 5/7/13
• Report Pass: 5/22/13
• Passed: 5/27/13
• Engrossed: 5/28/13

Caption

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.