Louisiana Senate Bill SR125

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/18/17
• Refer: 5/22/17
• Report Pass: 5/30/17
• Passed: 5/31/17

Caption

Requests DOTD to investigate feasibility of planting bamboo cane or other sound-reducing vegetation along the outer right-of-way of I-10 in Ascension Parish to provide a noise barrier and to reduce mowing.

Impact

The proposal is significant as it seeks to offer a dual solution: creating a noise barrier while simultaneously reducing the maintenance costs associated with mowing the grassy areas along the highway. By employing environmentally friendly and sustainable vegetation, the resolution aims not only to improve the living conditions for local residents but also to promote cost-effectiveness in highway management.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 125, presented by Senator Lambert, calls upon the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to explore the feasibility of planting bamboo cane or similar sound-reducing vegetation along the outer right-of-way of Interstate 10 in Ascension Parish. The primary objective of this resolution is to address the noise disturbance caused by traffic on I-10, which negatively impacts the quality of life for residents living nearby. The resolution highlights the financial constraints faced by the DOTD in constructing traditional noise barrier walls and maintaining highway vegetation.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be supportive of innovative and sustainable approaches to infrastructure management. While formal votes or discussions were not captured in the accessible transcripts, the essence of the proposal aligns with the increasing emphasis on environmentally friendly practices in state policies. The use of bamboo and other vegetation represents a shift towards considering natural solutions for urban environmental challenges.

Contention

Although the resolution presents a forward-thinking approach, potential contentions may arise concerning the specific implementation of such a vegetation strategy. Concerns might include the choice of specific plant species, the timeline for implementation, and ultimately, the effectiveness of using bamboo as a noise barrier compared to traditional methods. Additional scrutiny may focus on the ecological impacts of planting non-native species in the area.