Urges and requests the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and the Department of Natural Resources work with local political subdivisions with statutory responsibility for activities that require state coastal use permits to determine the necessity of state coastal use permits
Impact
The impact of HCR77 revolves around streamlining the permitting process for coastal management activities. Currently, local governments are required to obtain both state coastal use permits and additional federal permits for similar activities, which can lead to lengthy and costly processes. By urging an examination of the necessity for state permits, HCR77 seeks to alleviate redundant requirements and potentially expedite local projects aimed at flood control and environmental protection.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 77 (HCR77) urges the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and the Department of Natural Resources of Louisiana to collaborate with local political subdivisions on activities that require state coastal use permits. The resolution highlights the need to evaluate the necessity of these permits and whether they create undue burdens on local governments fulfilling their statutory responsibilities related to flood control, drainage management, and other coastal activities. HCR77 aims to address the challenges faced by local entities due to overlapping state and federal permit requirements.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HCR77 appears to be positive among legislators as indicated by the unanimous vote in favor of the resolution, with no opposition recorded. Stakeholders in local government likely view this initiative as supportive, as it could reduce bureaucratic obstacles that hinder timely execution of essential projects. However, there remains an underlying caution regarding the potential loss of federal funding tied to changes in the permitting process.
Contention
Notable points of contention center on the balance between reducing regulatory burdens and maintaining necessary environmental safeguards. While the resolution emphasizes the need for efficiency, concerns may arise about how eliminating or modifying state permits could impact environmental protections and federal funding. Local entities must carefully navigate these considerations to ensure that expedited processes do not compromise ecological integrity or lead to financial liabilities.
Provides for the respective responsibilities of the Department of Transportation and Development and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority in the coastal area
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 the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to study the advisability of including Acadia Parish and Jefferson Davis Parish in the Chenier Plain Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority
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 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.
Transfers the responsibilities of the Atchafalaya Basin Research and Promotion Board and the Atchafalaya Basin Program from within the Department of Natural Resources to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. (7/1/18) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)
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.