RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 196 (SB 201) 2019 Regular Session Mizell
Prior law established the Washington Parish Reservoir District. Provided that the district
shall be a political subdivision of the state and shall be comprised of the area of Washington
Parish.
Prior law provided that the district's purpose is to develop the wealth and natural resources
of the district by conserving soil and water for agricultural, recreational, commercial,
industrial, and sanitary purposes. Provided that the district shall create and maintain lakes
and reservoirs and engage in economic development.
Prior law provided that the district shall constitute a body corporate and shall have the
authority to sue and be sued, buy and sell, levy taxes, negotiate and execute contracts, and
incur debt and issue negotiable bonds.
Prior law provided that the district shall be exempt from taxation. Authorizes the district to
cooperate and contract with the federal or state government or any department or agency for
the construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities.
Prior law provided that the district is governed by a board of 11 commissioners, appointed
by the governor subject to Senate confirmation, who shall be qualified electors of the state
residing within Washington Parish.
Prior law prohibited any person or corporation from erecting any dam or reservoir upon any
watercourse which will affect the district without the approval of the board of
commissioners. Provides for penalties of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 or
imprisonment for not more than 60 days, or both.
New law repeals prior law.
New law provides that prior to September 1, 2019, the board of commissioners shall take all
appropriate actions to collect any funds due and owing to the district and to pay or satisfy any
obligations and liabilities of the district. Further provides that all property, immovable or
movable, shall be transferred to the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. Any
monies transferred to the Department shall be deposited into the Louisiana State Parks
Improvement and Repair Fund to be used, subject to legislative appropriation, for the Bogue
Chitto State Park for expanding recreation.
New law provides that the Secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism
conduct a town hall meeting no later than August 1, 2020, in Washington Parish with the
legislative delegation for Washington Parish to determine what are the best options for
expansion of recreation for Washington Parish at Bogue Chitto State Park.
Provisions requiring transfer of property to the Department of Culture, Recreation and
Tourism effective upon signature of the governor (June 11, 2019). Repeal of the Washington
Parish Reservoir District effective September 1, 2019.
(Repeals R.S. 36:509(S) and R.S. 38:3087.191-3087.206)