Heitmeier (SB 527) Act No. 470
New law provides legislative findings to require implementation of "Complete Streets".
Provides that development of a comprehensive, integrated, connected transportation network
for Louisiana which balances the access, mobility, health, and safety needs of motorists,
transit users, bicyclists, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities, including the users of
wheelchairs and mobility aids, is integral to the public health, welfare, and quality of life of
Louisiana's citizens and visitors. Provides that development of such transportation system,
by planning, designing, funding, constructing, managing, and maintaining a complete and
multimodal network, will achieve and sustain mobility and safely accommodate pedestrians,
bicyclists, and transit users.
Directs the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to adopt and maintain
a Complete Streets Policy. Requires DOTD to make reasonable efforts to engage interested
stakeholders through an advisory group to be known as the Complete Streets Advisory
Council when developing such policy.
Requires DOTD to establish goals to be incorporated into practical projects within the
highway priority program and to track their progress by department district.
Requires DOTD to submit a written progress report annually in conjunction with the
department's submission of the Highway Priority Program to the House and Senate
committees on transportation, highways, and public works and to the Complete Streets
Advisory Council.
Provides that the Complete Streets Advisory Council shall consist of a representative
appointed by each of the following organizations and may include such other persons or
representatives of organizations selected by the council:
(1)DOTD.
(2)AARP Louisiana.
(3)The Center for Planning Excellence.
(4)The Federal Highway Administration.
(5)Any research center based at a university in Louisiana that is interested in the
Complete Streets Policy.
(6)A member appointed by a majority of the metropolitan planning organizations.
(7)Other interested Complete Streets advocacy groups.
Requires DOTD to adopt performance measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the
Complete Streets Policy. Requires such performance measures to include both process and
outcome oriented indicators as determined by DOTD in conjunction with the Complete
Streets Advisory Council.
Effective upon signature of the governor (June 4, 2014).
(Adds R.S. 48:22.1)