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)]
HB 846 Engrossed 2015 Regular Session Ortego
Abstract: Authorizes the Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District to perform public works on
specified bayous and provides relative to restrictions on access to Evangeline Canal.
Present law creates the Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District to improve water quality and
beautify Bayou Vermilion to promote the bayou as a recreational and cultural asset and to create and
control an economic development adjacent to the bayou. Provides that the jurisdiction of the district
is coterminous with Lafayette Parish. Provides for governance and powers and duties of the district.
Proposed law changes the name of the district to the Bayou Vermilion District.
Present law authorizes the district to make or construct any works of public improvement within the
geographic limits of the district that may be necessary or useful for the business of the board by
purchasing machinery or materials and equipment for performing such work and supervising the
work or by making and constructing such works through contracts with others, all subject to laws
applicable to public works contracts.
Proposed law authorizes the district to undertake, as otherwise provided in present law, any work
that it deems necessary and proper to improve water quality and flow in Bayou Vermilion within
Lafayette Parish, Bayou Carencro, and Evangeline Canal. Prohibits any political subdivision from
restricting public access to Evangeline Canal unless the restriction is approved by the legislative
natural resources committees.
(Amends R.S. 33:9201, 9202(intro. para.), and 9203(A); Adds R.S. 33:9206(11))