HLS 21RS-191 ORIGINAL
2021 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 631
BY REPRESENTATIVE GOUDEAU
Prefiled pursuant to Article III, Section 2(A)(4)(b)(i) of the Constitution of Louisiana.
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS: Creates the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission and the
Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission police
1 AN ACT
2Chapter 37 of Title 48 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, to be comprised of R.S.
3 48:2211 through 2223, relative to the "Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission"; to
4 create and provide with respect to the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission; to
5 provide for the territorial boundaries, governance, plans, powers, and duties of the
6 board of commissioners; to authorize the board to contract for certain projects to be
7 performed; to authorize the board to acquire land and utilities; to provide with
8 respect to bonds and other revenue for funding; authorizes the creation of the
9 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission police; to provide for the powers and
10 responsibilities of the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission police; and to provide
11 for related matters.
12Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
13 Section 1. Chapter 37 of the Title 48 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950,
14comprised of R.S. 48:2211 through 2223 is hereby enacted to read as follows:
15 CHAPTER 37. ATCHAFALAYA BASIN BRIDGE COMMISSION
16 §2211. Short title
17 This Chapter shall be known and may be referred to as the "Atchafalaya
18 Basin Bridge Commission".
19 §2212. Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission; purpose
20 A. The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission, hereinafter referred to as the
21 "commission", is hereby created in the parishes of Iberville and St. Martin. The
Page 1 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-191 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 631
1 commission shall be created for the purpose of the development, construction,
2 improvement, expansion, regulation, and maintenance of an efficient, safe, and
3 well-maintained limited access highway system essential to promote continued
4 economic growth.
5 §2213. Definitions
6 Unless the text clearly indicates otherwise, the following words or phrases
7 shall have the following meanings:
8 (1) "Board" means the board of directors of the commission.
9 (2) "Bonds" means any bonds, notes, renewal notes, refunding bonds, interim
10 certificates, certificates of indebtedness, debentures, warrants, commercial paper, or
11 other obligations or any other evidence of indebtedness or evidence of borrowed
12 money issued or entered into by the commission to finance projects.
13 (3) "Commission" means the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission.
14 (4) "Department" means the Department of Transportation and
15 Development.
16 (5) "Federal government" means the United States of America and any
17 agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States of America.
18 (6) "Person" means any individual, partnership, firm, corporation, company,
19 cooperative, association, society, trust, or any other business unit or entity, including
20 any state or federal agency.
21 (7) "Project" means any capital project undertaken pursuant to this Chapter
22 including the acquisition of real property, construction, reconstruction, improvement,
23 extension, installation, development, or landscaping.
24 (8) "Project costs" means all costs associated with and necessary to plan,
25 design, acquire property rights, and to construct a project, including construction
26 costs, and such other expenses as may be necessary or incidental to the construction,
27 financing, and operation of the project.
Page 2 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-191 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 631
1 (9) "Public utility facilities" means tracks, pipes, mains, conduits, cables,
2 wires, towers, poles, and other equipment and appliances which are either publicly
3 or privately owned.
4 (10) "Real property" means lands, waters, rights in lands or waters,
5 structures, franchises, and interests in land, including lands under water, riparian
6 rights, property rights in airspace or subsurface, and any and all other things and
7 rights usually included within said term, including any and all interests in such
8 property less than full title.
9 (11) "Revenue" means:
10 (a) Any income, revenue, and receipt derived or to be derived from the
11 construction and operation of projects by the commission or received by the
12 commission from any other sources whatsoever.
13 (b) Monies generated by way of contract, pledge, donation, or bequest.
14 (12) "Secretary" means the secretary of the Department of Transportation
15 and Development.
16 (13) "State" means the state of Louisiana or any agency or instrumentality
17 thereof.
18 §2214. Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission; creation; board of directors;
19 meetings; quorum
20 A. The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission, hereinafter referred to as the
21 "commission", is hereby created possessing full corporate powers to promote, plan,
22 finance, develop, construct, control, regulate, operate, and maintain a transportation
23 and utility corridor for the growth of residential, commercial, and industrial
24 developments serving the urban and rural areas of Iberville and St. Martin parishes
25 within its jurisdiction.
26 B. The domicile of the commission shall be St. Martin Parish.
27 C.(1) The board shall be composed of three directors who shall be the
28 governing body of the commission, with full power to promulgate rules and
29 regulations for the maintenance and operation of the commission as follows:
Page 3 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-191 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 631
1 (a) One member appointed by the president of St. Martin Parish.
2 (b) One member appointed by the president of Iberville Parish.
3 (c) One member appointed by the governor.
4 (2) The directors shall elect the chairman and vice chairman from its
5 membership and shall elect any other officers they deem necessary.
6 D. The directors shall take and subscribe to the oath of office required of
7 public officials. Appointed directors shall serve until their successors are appointed
8 and sworn into office. Directors may be removed from office for cause by a district
9 court having jurisdiction.
10 E. A majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction
11 of official business. All official actions of the commission shall require an
12 affirmative vote of the directors present and voting at any meeting.
13 F. Directors of the commission shall not receive any salary for the
14 performance of their duties as directors. Appointed directors may be reimbursed for
15 mileage expenses incurred for attendance at meetings of the commission, subject to
16 the availability of funds. The mileage allowance shall be fixed by the commission
17 in an amount not to exceed the mileage allowance authorized under state travel
18 regulations at rates and standards as promulgated by the division of administration.
19 G. The commission shall meet at least quarterly and may meet more
20 frequently upon call of the chairman.
21 H. The boundary and jurisdiction of the commission shall be coextensive
22 with the boundaries of Iberville and St. Martin parishes.
23 I. The commission created pursuant to this Chapter and all directors thereof
24 shall be subject to the provisions of R.S. 42:1101 et seq.
25 J. The commission may perform, procure from the Department of
26 Transportation and Development with the consent of its secretary, or procure from
27 outside service providers any service or portion of services necessary to fulfill the
28 duties and obligations of the commission.
29 §2215. Public records; public meetings; right of public agencies to records
Page 4 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-191 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 631
1 The board created by this Chapter shall be subject to and fully comply with
2 the public records law, R.S. 44:1 et seq., and the open meetings law, R.S. 42:11 et
3 seq., of the state. The proceedings and documents of the board shall be public
4 records. All reports, maps, or other technical documents produced in whole or in
5 part by the board may be utilized by the board or any other public agency in any
6 manner that it deems necessary and advisable in the conduct of its duties.
7 §2216. Feasibility; advice
8 A. The commission may construct projects under the terms and conditions
9 provided for in this Chapter. The commission shall conduct an economic feasibility
10 study prior to initiation of any project to substantiate project need and feasibility.
11 B. The St. Martin Parish Planning and Zoning Department, and all its
12 subcommittees, shall serve in an advisory capacity to the commission, relative to any
13 project or projects contemplated by or to be undertaken by the commission.
14 §2217. Jurisdiction; powers of commission
15 The commission may exercise powers necessary, appurtenant, convenient,
16 or incidental to the carrying out of its purposes, including but not limited to the
17 following rights and powers:
18 (1) To adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of the
19 commission, for the governance of its affairs, and for the conduct of its business.
20 (2) To adopt, use, and alter at will an official seal.
21 (3) To plan, construct, reconstruct, maintain, improve, operate, own, or lease
22 projects within its jurisdiction in the manner determined by the commission and to
23 pay any project costs in connection therewith.
24 (4) To sue and be sued in its own name.
25 (5) To impose, revise, fees, and charges in connection with its projects
26 sufficient to pay all project costs, maintenance, operation, debt service, and reserve
27 or replacement costs, and other necessary or usual charges.
28 (6) To regulate speed limits on the bridge with state speed limits.
Page 5 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-191 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 631
1 (7) To contract with any person, partnership, association, or corporation
2 desiring the use of any part of a project, including the right-of-way adjoining the
3 paved portion, for placing thereon any of the following: a telephone, fiber optic,
4 telegraph, electric light, or power lines, gas stations, garages, and restaurants, or for
5 any other purpose, and to fix the terms, conditions, rents, and rates of charges limited
6 to no more than the direct and actual cost of the commission in administering the
7 permitting process.
8 (8) To acquire, hold, and dispose of real and personal property in the
9 exercise of its powers and the performance of its duties under this Chapter in
10 accordance with law.
11 (9) To acquire public or private lands including rights or easements in the
12 name of the commission by purchase, donation, exchange, foreclosure, lease, or
13 otherwise, including exercising the power of eminent domain in accordance with Part
14 XVIII of Chapter 1 of Title 48, as it may deem necessary for carrying out the
15 provisions of this Chapter.
16 (10) To hold, sell, assign, lease, or otherwise dispose of any real or personal
17 property or any interest therein; to release or relinquish any right, title, claim, lien,
18 interest, easement, or demand however acquired, including any equity or right of
19 redemption in property foreclosed by it; to take assignments of leases and rentals; to
20 proceed with foreclosure actions; or to take any other actions necessary or incidental
21 to the performance of its corporate purposes.
22 (11) To establish control of access, designate the location, and establish,
23 limit, and control points of ingress and egress for each project as may be necessary
24 or desirable in the judgment of the commission to ensure its proper operation and
25 maintenance, and to prohibit entrance to such project from any point or points not
26 so designated, subject to the prior written concurrence of the department when the
27 state highway system is affected.
Page 6 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-191 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 631
1 (12) To relocate parish, municipal, or other public roads affected or severed
2 by commission projects with equal or better facilities at the expense of the
3 commission.
4 (13) To enter, or authorize its agents to enter, upon any lands, waters, or
5 premises within the geographic boundaries of the commission for the purpose of
6 making surveys, soundings, drillings, or examinations as it may deem necessary or
7 appropriate for the purposes of this Chapter provided the commission reimburses any
8 actual damages resulting to such lands, waters, or premises as a result of such
9 activities; such entry shall not be deemed a trespass or unlawful.
10 (14) To procure insurance in such amount or amounts appropriate to the size
11 of the project, as determined by the commission, insuring the commission against all
12 losses, risk, and liability arising out of the construction, operation, maintenance, and
13 ownership of any project.
14 (15) To apply for, receive, and accept grants, loans, advances, and
15 contributions from any source of money, property, labor, or other things of value, to
16 be held, used, and applied for its corporate purposes.
17 (16) To open accounts at financial institutions necessary for the conduct of
18 its business and to invest any funds held in reserves or sinking funds, or any funds
19 not required for immediate disbursement in such investments as may be provided in
20 any financing document relating to the use of such funds, or, if not so provided, as
21 the commission may determine, subject to compliance with state laws relative to
22 investments by political subdivisions.
23 (17) To borrow money and issue bonds for any commission purpose.
24 (18) To enter contracts and agreements and execute all instruments necessary
25 or convenient thereto for accomplishing the purposes of the commission.
26 (19) To enter into agreements with a public or private entity to construct,
27 maintain, repair, or operate commission projects.
Page 7 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-191 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 631
1 (20) To authorize the investment of public and private money to finance
2 commission projects, subject to compliance with state law relative to use of public
3 funds.
4 (21) To employ consultants, engineers, attorneys, accountants, construction
5 and financial experts, superintendents, managers, and such other employees and
6 agents necessary for the accomplishment of commission purposes and to fix their
7 compensation.
8 (22) To do all acts and perform things necessary or convenient to execute the
9 powers granted to the commission by law.
10 §2218. Acquisition of lands and property
11 A. For the purposes of this Chapter, the commission may acquire private or
12 public property and property rights by donation, purchase, exchange, or eminent
13 domain proceedings, as the commission may deem necessary for any commission
14 purpose in the transportation corridor designated by the commission.
15 B. In the acquisition of land and property rights, the commission may
16 acquire an entire lot, block, or tract of land, if, by so doing, the acquisition cost to the
17 commission will be equal to or less than the cost of acquiring only that portion of the
18 property necessary for the project. This Subsection is a specific recognition that this
19 means of limiting the rising costs of such property acquisition is a public purpose
20 and that, without this limitation, the viability of many public projects will be
21 threatened.
22 C. The commission may sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of all or any portion
23 of a project, provided that the sale, lease, or other disposition of a state-designated
24 project shall require department approval. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary,
25 any surplus property may be sold in accordance with procedures adopted by the
26 commission that maximize the price received for such property provided that,
27 notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, whenever any surplus
28 property is acquired by the commission by eminent domain proceedings, the
29 commission first shall offer to sell whatever rights it acquired back to the prior
Page 8 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-191 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 631
1 owner or his successors in title, at the fair market value or at the original price paid,
2 whichever is less.
3 D. When the commission acquires property for a project, it is not subject to
4 any liability imposed by preexisting conditions. This Subsection does not, however,
5 affect the rights or liabilities of any past or future owners of the acquired property,
6 nor does it affect the liability of any governmental entity for the results of its actions
7 which create or exacerbate a pollution source. The commission and the Department
8 of Environmental Quality may enter into agreements for the performance, funding,
9 and reimbursement of the investigative and remedial acts necessary for property
10 acquired by the commission.
11 §2219. Public utilities
12 A.(1) The commission shall have the power to make reasonable regulations,
13 not inconsistent with rules and regulations promulgated by the federal government
14 and the department for the installation, construction, maintenance, repair, renewal,
15 relocation, or removal of any public utility, railroad, or pipeline, in, on, along, over,
16 or under a project.
17 (2) Whenever the commission determines that it is necessary to relocate,
18 remove, or carry along or across a commission project by grade separation, any
19 public utility facilities presently located in, on, along, over, or under a commission
20 project, the owner or operator of such facilities shall relocate or remove the same in
21 accordance with the order of the commission; however, the cost and expense of such
22 relocation, removal, or grade separation, including the cost of installing such
23 facilities in a new location, including the cost of any land, or any rights or interest
24 in lands, and any other rights acquired to accomplish such relocation or removal,
25 shall be paid as project costs by the commission.
26 (3) In case of relocation or removal, the owners or operators of public utility
27 facilities, their successors or assigns, may use and operate said public utility facilities
28 in the new location upon the same terms and conditions enjoyed prior to relocation
29 or removal.
Page 9 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-191 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 631
1 B. Any utility which requests and is permitted to occupy a commission
2 right-of-way shall be responsible for any cost of relocation, removal, or grade
3 separation and all expenses related thereto.
4 §2220. Contracts; construction; project development; law enforcement
5 A. Contracts of the commission for the construction, improvement, or
6 maintenance of any commission project shall be made and awarded pursuant to
7 applicable provisions of state law.
8 B. In addition to the establishment of its own police department, the
9 commission may contract with either the state police, a law enforcement district, or
10 municipal law enforcement agency to perform law enforcement and patrol functions
11 on any commission project.
12 §2221. Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission police
13 A. The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission may appoint, fix salaries of,
14 and pay bridge police in accordance with Department of State Civil Service
15 regulations. The commission may make and amend rules and regulations for the
16 conduct, management, and control of such police.
17 B.(1) Persons hired shall be at least eighteen years of age and of good
18 character. All persons appointed as police officers pursuant to this Section shall
19 complete and graduate from a training program as approved and accredited as
20 provided in R.S. 40:2401 et seq. Each police officer so appointed shall furnish bond
21 in accordance with law in a sum to be fixed by the commission. Such bond shall be
22 conditioned on the faithful performance of the police officer's duties, and any person
23 injured or damaged by such police officer may sue upon said bond.
24 (2) Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission police shall have, under the
25 direction and control of the commission, the same powers to make arrests and the
26 power to execute and return all warrants and processes as sheriffs of the parishes of
27 Iberville and St. Martin. Such police officers, under the same direction and control
28 of the commission, shall have all other powers of sheriffs of the parishes of Iberville
29 and St. Martin, as peace officers, in all places and on all premises under the
Page 10 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-191 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 631
1 jurisdiction and control of the Atchafalaya Bridge, and the public ways contiguous
2 thereto.
3 (3) In an emergency situation, at the request of a sheriff, chief of police,
4 officer, chief executive officer of Iberville and St. Martin municipalities, or the
5 governing authority of any of Iberville and St. Martin parishes, the Atchafalaya
6 Basin Bridge Commission police shall have the above-conferred powers throughout
7 the geographic limits of such parish or city until such time as the requesting authority
8 has certified that the emergency is over.
9 (4) The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission shall be liable, in accordance
10 with law, for all actions of its police officers performing duties pursuant to this
11 Section.
12 (5) Any person appointed as a police officer pursuant to this Section shall
13 receive state supplemental pay.
14 C. Any persons arrested by police officers appointed pursuant to this Section
15 and the return of all warrants or processes served by said officers shall be
16 surrendered or delivered to the appropriate custodial authorities of the parish of
17 Iberville or the parish of St. Martin. However, nothing in this Section shall deprive
18 any sheriff or deputy sheriff in the parishes of Iberville or St. Martin from making
19 arrests or serving warrants or processes in any such place or on any such premises.
20 §2222. Bonds
21 A. Without reference to any provision of the Constitution of Louisiana and
22 the laws of Louisiana, and as a grant of power in addition to any other general or
23 special law, the commission created pursuant to this Chapter may issue bonds for any
24 commission purpose and pledge revenues for the payment of the principal and
25 interest of such bonds. The commission is further authorized, in its discretion, to
26 pledge all or any part of any gift, grant, donation, or other sum of money, aid, or
27 assistance from the United States, the state, or any political subdivision thereof,
28 unless otherwise restricted by the terms thereof, all or any part of the proceeds of
29 bonds, credit agreements, instruments, or any other money of the commission, from
Page 11 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-191 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 631
1 whatever source derived, for the further securing of the payment of the principal and
2 interest of the bonds. Any such bonds shall be payable solely from revenues and
3 bond proceeds, pending their disbursement, and investment income thereon.
4 B. Bonds issued pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter shall not be
5 deemed to constitute a pledge of the full faith and credit of the state or of any
6 governmental unit thereof. All such bonds shall contain a statement on their face
7 substantially to the effect that neither the full faith and credit of the state nor the full
8 faith and credit of any public entity of the state are pledged to the payment of the
9 principal of or the interest on such bonds. Bonds issued pursuant to the provisions
10 of this Chapter shall not directly, indirectly, or contingently obligate the state or any
11 governmental unit of the state to levy any taxes whatever therefor or to make any
12 appropriation for their payment, other than obligations to make payments by the state
13 or any public entity to the commission arising out of contracts authorized under this
14 Chapter.
15 C. Bonds shall be authorized by a resolution of the commission and shall be
16 of such series, bear such date, mature at such time, bear interest at such rate,
17 including but not limited to fixed, variable, or zero rates, be payable at such time, be
18 in such denominations, be in such form, carry such registration and exchangeability
19 privilege, be payable in such medium of payment and at such place, be subject to
20 such terms of redemption prior to maturity at such price as determined by the
21 commission, and be entitled to such priority on the revenues as such resolution may
22 provide.
23 D. Bonds shall be sold by the commission at public sale by competitive bid
24 or negotiated private sale and at a price the commission may determine to be in the
25 best interest of the authority.
26 E. The issuance of bonds shall not be subject to any limitations,
27 requirements, or conditions contained in any other law, and bonds may be issued
28 without obtaining the consent of the state or any political subdivision, or of any
29 agency, commission, or instrumentality thereof, except that the issuance of such
Page 12 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-191 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 631
1 bonds shall be subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission. The bonds
2 shall be issued in compliance with the provisions of this Chapter.
3 F. For a period of thirty days after the date of publication of a notice of intent
4 to issue bonds in the official journal of the commission authorizing the issuance of
5 bonds hereunder, any person in interest shall have the right to contest the legality of
6 the resolution and the legality of the bond issue for any cause, but after that time no
7 one shall have any cause or right of action to contest the legality of the resolution or
8 of the bonds or the security therefor for any cause whatsoever. If no suit, action, or
9 proceeding is instituted contesting the validity of the resolution, the bonds or the
10 security therefor within the thirty days herein prescribed, the authority to issue bonds
11 and provide for the payment thereof, the legality thereof and of all of the provisions
12 of the resolution or other proceedings authorizing the issuance of the bonds shall be
13 conclusively presumed, and no court shall have authority to inquire into such
14 matters. Any notice of intent so published shall set forth in reasonable detail the
15 purpose of the bonds, the security therefor, and the parameters of amount, duration,
16 and interest rates. The commission may designate any paper of general circulation
17 in its geographical jurisdiction to publish the notice of intent or may utilize electronic
18 media available to the general public. Any suit to determine the validity of bonds
19 issued by the commission shall be brought only in accordance with the provisions
20 of R.S. 13:5121 et seq.
21 G. All bonds issued pursuant to this Chapter shall have all the qualities of
22 negotiable instruments under the commercial laws of the state.
23 H. Any pledge of revenues or other monies made by the commission shall
24 be valid and binding from the time when the pledge is made. The revenues or
25 monies so pledged and thereafter received by the commission shall immediately be
26 subject to the lien of such pledge without any physical delivery thereof or further act,
27 and the lien of any pledge shall be valid and binding as against all parties having
28 claims of any kind in tort, contract, or otherwise against the commission irrespective
29 of whether such parties have notice thereof.
Page 13 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-191 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 631
1 I. Neither the members of the commission nor any person executing the
2 bonds shall be liable personally for the bonds or be subject to any personal liability
3 or accountability by reason of the issuance thereof.
4 J. Bonds of the commission, their transfer, and the income therefrom shall
5 at all times be exempt from all taxation by the state or any political subdivision
6 thereof and may or may not be exempt for federal income tax purposes. The bonds
7 issued pursuant to this Chapter shall be and are hereby declared to be legal and
8 authorized investments for banks, savings banks, trust companies, building and loan
9 associations, insurance companies, fiduciaries, trustees, and guardians. Such bonds
10 shall be eligible to secure the deposit of any and all public funds of the state and any
11 and all public funds of municipalities, parishes, school districts, or other political
12 corporations or subdivisions of the state. Such bonds shall be lawful and sufficient
13 security for said deposits to the extent of their value. When any bonds shall have
14 been issued pursuant to this Section, neither the legislature, the commission, nor any
15 other commission may discontinue or decrease the revenues pledged to the payment
16 of the bonds authorized pursuant to this Section or permit to be discontinued or
17 decreased said revenues in anticipation of the collection of which such bonds have
18 been issued, or in any way make any change in the allocation and dedication of the
19 revenues which would diminish the amount of the revenues to be received by the
20 commission, until all of such bonds have been retired as to principal and interest, and
21 there is hereby vested in the holders from time to time of such bonds a contract right
22 in the provisions of this Section.
23 K. The commission may provide by resolution for the issuance of refunding
24 bonds pursuant to R.S. 39:1444 et seq.
25 L. The holders of any bonds issued pursuant to this Section shall have such
26 rights and remedies as may be provided in the resolution or trust agreement
27 authorizing the issuance of the bonds, including but not by way of limitation,
28 appointment of a trustee for the bondholders and any other available civil action to
Page 14 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-191 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 631
1 compel compliance with the terms and provisions of the bonds and the resolution or
2 trust agreement.
3 M. Subject to the agreements with the holders of bonds, all proceeds of
4 bonds and all revenues pledged under a resolution or trust agreement authorizing or
5 securing such bonds shall be deposited and held in trust in a fund or funds separate
6 and apart from all other funds of the commission. Subject to the resolution or trust
7 agreement, the trustee shall hold the same for the benefit of the holders of the bonds
8 for the application and disposition thereof solely to the respective uses and purposes
9 provided in such resolution or trust agreement.
10 N. The commission created by this Chapter is authorized to employ all
11 professionals it deems necessary in the issuance of its bonds.
12 O. The commission created by this Chapter shall be deemed to be a public
13 entity for purposes of Chapters 13, 13-A, 14, 14-A, 14-B, and 15-A of Title 39 of the
14 Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, which statutes shall apply to bonds of the
15 commission, provided that in the event of a conflict with the provisions of this
16 Chapter, the provisions of this Chapter shall control.
17 §2223. Conveyance of project; maintenance
18 When the bonds issued for any project and the interest thereon have been
19 paid in full, or sufficient funds have been deposited in trust for that purpose, and the
20 project is in a condition which meets department standards for structural condition
21 and geometric design and is in a condition of maintenance satisfactory to the
22 department, said project and any property acquired for the project may be transferred
23 by the commission in full ownership to the state. The department will assume
24 jurisdiction and control of the project as a part of the state highway system, provided
25 that the legislature authorizes an increase in mileage of the state highway system
26 equal to the length of the commission project to be transferred. Any commission
27 project transferred to and accepted by the department will be operated and
28 maintained by the department as an integral part of the state highway system, and the
Page 15 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-191 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 631
1 department, in the discretion of its secretary, may continue to collect any fee for the
2 purpose of maintenance of the project.
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 631 Original 2021 Regular Session Goudeau
Abstract: Creates the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission and Atchafalaya Basin Bridge
Commission Police.
Proposed law creates the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission.
Proposed law vests powers in the commission to establish and construct a transportation and
utility corridor for the growth of residential, commercial, and industrial developments
serving the urban and rural areas of Iberville and St. Martin parishes to be constructed within
its jurisdiction.
Proposed law provides for definitions.
Proposed law requires the commission be domiciled in St. Martin Parish.
Proposed law establishes a board to be composed of three directors with full power to
promulgate rules and regulations for the maintenance and operation of the commission as
follows:
(1)A member appointed by the parish President for Iberville.
(2)A member appointed by the parish President for St. Martin.
(3)A member appointed by the governor.
Proposed law requires the directors take and subscribe to the oath of office for public
officials.
Proposed law specifies that a majority of the directors constitute a quorum for the transaction
of official business. Requires an affirmative vote for all official actions of the commission
of the directors present and voting at any meeting. Authorizes directors be removed from
office for cause by a district court having jurisdiction.
Proposed law specifies that the directors of the commission will not receive any salary for
the performance of their duties as directors. Authorizes reimbursement of mileage expenses
incurred for attendance at meetings of the commission for appointed directors of the
commission only.
Proposed law requires mileage allowance be fixed by the commission in an amount not to
exceed the mileage allowance authorized under state travel regulations at rates and standards
as promulgated by the division of administration subject to the availability of funds.
Proposed law requires the boundary and jurisdiction of the commission be coextensive with
the boundaries of Iberville and St. Mary parishes.
Proposed law requires the commission meet at least quarterly and authorizes the commission
meet more frequently upon call of the chairman. Requires all directors be subject to existing
ethics law.
Page 16 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-191 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 631
Proposed law authorizes the commission to perform, procure from the Dept.of
Transportation and Development (DOTD), with the consent of its secretary, or procure from
outside service providers any service or portion of services necessary to fulfill the duties and
obligations of the commission.
Proposed law requires the commission be subject to and comply with the Public Records
Law and the Open Meetings Law. Requires all proceedings and documents of the
commission be public records. Authorizes all reports, maps, or other technical documents
produced in whole or in part by a commission be utilized by the department or any other
public agency in any manner necessary and advisable in the conduct of its duties.
Proposed law authorizes the commission to construct projects under the terms and conditions
set forth in proposed law. Requires the commission conduct an economic feasibility study
prior to initiation of any project to substantiate project need and feasibility.
Proposed law requires the St. Martin Parish Planning and Zoning Department and all of its
subcommittees serve in an advisory capacity to the commission relative to any project or
projects contemplated by or to be undertaken by the commission.
Proposed law provides for additional rights and powers within the commission's jurisdictions
as follows:
(1)To adopt rules and regulations.
(2)To adopt, use, and alter at will an official seal.
(3)To plan, construct, reconstruct, maintain, improve, operate, own, or lease
projects within its jurisdiction in the manner determined by the commission
and to pay any project costs.
(4)To sue and be sued in its own name.
(5)To impose, revise, fees, and charges in connection with its projects sufficient
to pay all project costs, maintenance, operation, debt service and reserve or
replacement costs, and other necessary or usual charges.
(6)To regulate speed limits on the bridge consistent with state speed limits.
(7)To contract with any person, partnership, association, or corporation desiring
the use of any part of a project, including the right-of-way adjoining the
paved portion, for placing any of the following: telephone, fiber optic,
telegraph, electric light, or power lines, gas stations, garages, and restaurants,
or for any other purpose, and to fix the terms, conditions, rents, and rates of
charges limited to the commission's direct and actual cost of administering
the permitting process.
(8)To acquire, hold, and dispose of real and personal property.
(9)To acquire public or private lands in the name of the commission by
purchase, donation, exchange, foreclosure, lease, or otherwise, including
rights or easements.
(10)To hold, sell, assign, lease, or otherwise dispose of any real or personal
property; to release or relinquish any right, title, claim, lien, interest,
easement, or demand however acquired, including any equity or right of
redemption in property foreclosed by it; to take assignments of leases and
rentals; to proceed with foreclosure actions; or to take any other actions
necessary or incidental to the performance of its corporate purposes.
(11)To establish control of access, designate the location, and establish, limit, and
control limit, and control points of ingress and egress for each project as may
be necessary or desirable in the judgment of the commission to ensure its
proper operation and maintenance, and to prohibit entrance to such project
from any point or points not so designated, subject to the prior written
concurrence of the department when the state highway system is affected.
(12)To relocate parish, municipal, or other public roads affected or severed by
commission projects with equal or better facilities at the expense of the
commission.
Page 17 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-191 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 631
(13)To enter, or authorize its agents to enter, upon any lands, waters, and
premises within the geographic boundaries of the commission for the purpose
of making surveys, soundings, drillings, and examinations as it may deem
necessary or appropriate provided that the commission must reimburse any
actual damages resulting to such lands, waters, and premises as a result of
such activities; such entry cannot be deemed a trespass or unlawful.
(14)To procure insurance in such amount or amounts appropriate to the size of
the project, as determined by the commission, insuring the commission
against all losses, risk, and liability arising out of the construction, operation,
maintenance, and ownership of any project.
(15)To apply for, receive, and accept grants, loans, advances, and contributions
from any source of money, property, labor, or other things of value, to be
held or used.
(16)To open accounts at financial institutions necessary for the conduct of the
commission's business and to invest any funds held in reserves or sinking
funds, or any funds not required for immediate disbursement in such
investments as may be provided in any financing document relating to the
use of such funds subject to compliance with state laws relative to
investments by political subdivisions.
(17)To borrow money and issue bonds for any commission purpose.
(18)To enter contracts and agreements and execute all instruments necessary.
(19)To enter into agreements with a public or private entity to construct,
maintain, repair, or operate commission projects.
(20)To authorize the investment of public and private money to finance
commission projects, subject to compliance with state law relative to use of
public funds.
(21)To employ consultants, engineers, attorneys, accountants, construction and
financial experts, superintendents, managers, and such other employees and
agents as necessary for the accomplishment of commission purposes, and to
fix their compensation.
(22)To do all acts and perform things necessary or convenient to execute the
powers granted to the commission by law.
Proposed law authorizes the creation of the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission police.
Requires officers be at least 18 years old, have completed the Peace Officers Standards and
Training Course, and posted bond set by the commission. Grants the Atchafalaya Basin
Bridge Commission police the same power to make arrests, execute and return warrants and
processes, and all other powers as the sheriffs of the parishes of Jefferson and St. Martin,
and in all places under the control of the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge and the public ways.
Authorizes joint efforts of police departments in emergencies at the request of the parish or
city police.
Proposed law requires the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission be liable for all actions of
its police in the performance of duty and prohibits the payment of state supplemental pay.
Requires all arrested persons and all returned warrants and processes be given to the
authorities in either Iberville or St. Martin Parish.
Proposed law authorizes the commission to acquire private or public property and property
rights by donation, purchase, exchange, or eminent domain proceedings for a transportation
corridor designated by the commission. Further authorizes the commission to acquire an
entire lot, block, or tract of land, if the acquisition cost will be equal to or less than the cost
of acquiring only the portion of the property necessary for the project. Authorizes the
commission to sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of all or any portion of a project, provided
that the sale, lease, or other disposition of a state-designated project shall require the DOTD
approval, and surplus property may be sold by the commission to maximize the price
received for such property.
Page 18 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-191 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 631
Proposed law requires the commission offer to sell whatever rights it acquired back to the
original owner or his successors in title first, at the fair market value or at the original price
paid, whichever is less, whenever any surplus property is acquired by the commission by
eminent domain.
Proposed law limits the commission's liability for property imposed by preexisting
conditions. Prohibits this limitation from affecting the rights or liabilities of any past or
future owners of the acquired property or from affecting the liability of any governmental
entity for actions which create or exacerbate a pollution source. Authorizes the commission
and the Dept. of Environmental Quality to enter into agreements for the performance,
funding, and reimbursement of the investigative and remedial acts necessary for property
acquired by the commission.
Proposed law vests power in the commission to make reasonable regulations, not
inconsistent with regulations of the federal government and the department for the
installation, construction, maintenance, repair, renewal, relocation, and removal of any
public utility, railroad, or pipeline, in, on, along, over, or under a project. Requires the
owner or operator of such facility to relocate or remove the facility if the commission
determines it is necessary to relocate or remove a public utility. Requires the cost and
expense of such relocation or removal be paid as project costs by the commission.
Proposed law authorizes the owners or operators of public utility facilities, in case of
relocation or removal, to use and operate the public utility facilities in the new location upon
the same terms and conditions enjoyed prior to relocation or removal. Requires any utility,
which requests and is permitted to occupy commission right-of-way, be responsible for any
cost of relocation, removal, or grade separation and all expenses related to relocation or
removal.
Proposed law requires construction, improvement, or maintenance contracts for any
commission project be made and awarded according to the applicable provisions of present
law.
Proposed law authorizes the commission to contract with state police or other law
enforcement agencies to perform law enforcement and patrol functions on any commission
project.
Proposed law authorizes the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission to establish a police
department with the powers to make arrests and execute warrants. Specifies that
commission police are liable for their actions.
Proposed law grants the commission the power to issue bonds for any commission purpose
and pledge revenues for the payment of the principal and interest of such bonds. Further
authorizes the commission to pledge all or any part of any gift, grant, donation, or other sum
of money, aid, or assistance from the U.S., the state, or any political subdivision unless
otherwise restricted, all or any part of the proceeds of bonds, credit agreements, instruments,
or any other money of the commission for the securing of the payment of principal and
interest of the bonds. Requires any bonds be payable solely from revenues and bond
proceeds, pending their disbursement, and investment income.
Proposed law requires bonds issued by the commission not be considered a pledge of the full
faith and credit of the state and requires all such bonds contain a statement on their face
stating that neither the full faith and credit of the state nor the full faith and credit of any
public entity of the state is pledged to the payment of the principal of or the interest on such
bonds.
Proposed law requires the issuance of bonds by the commission not directly, indirectly, or
contingently obligate the state or any governmental unit of the state to levy any taxes or to
Page 19 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-191 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 631
make any appropriation for their payment, other than obligations to make payments by the
state or any public entity to the commission arising out of contracts.
Proposed law requires bonds be authorized by a resolution of the commission and shall be
of such series, bear such date or dates, mature at such time or times, bear interest at such rate
or rates, be payable at such time or times, be in such denominations, be in such form, carry
such registration and exchangeability privilege, be payable in such medium of payment and
at such place or places, be subject to such terms of redemption prior to maturity, and be
entitled to such priority on the revenues as such resolution or resolutions may provide.
Proposed law requires bonds be sold by the commission at public sale by competitive bid
or negotiated private sale. Authorizes the bonds be issued without obtaining the consent of
the state or any political subdivision, or of any agency or commission, except for the
required issuance of bonds subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission.
Proposed law requires any person in interest have the right to contest the legality of the
resolution and the legality of the bond issue for any cause for a period of 30 days after the
date of publication of a notice of intent to issue bonds. Prohibits contesting the legality of
the resolution or of the bonds or the security for any cause whatsoever after a period of 30
days after the date of publication of a notice of intent to issue bonds.
Proposed law requires the authority to issue bonds and provide for the payment and of all
of the provisions of the resolution or other proceedings authorizing the issuance of the bonds
be conclusively presumed if no suit, action, or proceeding is begun within the 30-day period,
and requires no court have authority to inquire into such matters.
Proposed law requires any pledge of revenues or other monies made by the commission be
valid and binding from the time when the pledge is made. Requires the revenues or monies
so pledged and received by the commission be immediately subject to the lien of such pledge
without physical delivery, and requires the lien of any such pledge be valid and binding as
against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract, or otherwise against the
commission.
Proposed law requires neither the members of the commission nor any person executing the
bonds be personally liable for the bonds or subject to personal liability or accountability by
reason of the issuance of the bonds.
Proposed law requires bonds of the commission and the income be exempt from all taxation
by the state or any political subdivision, and may or may not be exempt for federal income
tax purposes.
Proposed law authorizes the commission to provide by resolution for the issuance of
refunding bonds and authorizes the commission to employ professionals it deems necessary
in the issuance of its bonds.
Proposed law authorizes the project and any property acquired for the project be transferred
by the commission in full ownership to the state of La. when the bonds issued for any project
and the interest have been paid in full, the project is in a condition which meets the the
DOTD standards for structural condition and geometric design, and is in a satisfactory
maintenance condition.
Proposed law provides that the DOTD will assume jurisdiction and control of the project as
a part of the state highway system, provided the legislature authorizes an increase in mileage
of the state highway system equal to the length of the project to be transferred. Authorizes
the DOTD, in the secretary's discretion, to continue to collect any fee for the purpose of
maintenance of the project.
(Adds R.S. 48:2211 - 2223)
Page 20 of 20
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.