Directs flood protection districts and parish governing authorities in areas benefitting from the federal Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS) to contribute towards the $400 million annual payments the state must make for this project (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
The resolution specifically targets the governing bodies of St. Charles, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and Orleans parishes as well as the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authorities. These entities are urged to present a concrete plan for financial contribution by December 1, 2021. This legislative move is intended to alleviate the financial pressures on the state as a whole and ensure that those who benefit from significant flood protection infrastructure contribute their fair share to its funding.
HCR6 is a House Concurrent Resolution that urges and requests the governing authorities of several parishes in Southeast Louisiana to devise and implement a plan to contribute towards the financial obligations owed to the federal government for the Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS). This program aims to protect regions prone to flooding by improving storm protection infrastructure. As it stands, the financial burden of the HSDRRS project—totaling over one billion dollars—is falling disproportionately on the remaining parishes in Louisiana, which do not benefit directly from the system, leading to concerns about equity and financial responsibility.
The sentiment surrounding HCR6 appears to be a mix of urgency and fairness. Proponents likely view it as a necessary step to create a more equitable financial landscape regarding flood protection in Louisiana. Given the historical context of Hurricane Katrina and ongoing concerns about storm impacts, this resolution uniquely underscores the need for collaboration among local governments to support infrastructural resilience. However, there may also be some apprehension or resistance from the governing authorities of the affected parishes regarding the new financial obligations.
Notably, there may be points of contention among the parishes regarding the financial contribution levels proportional to flood risk and benefits derived from the HSDRRS. Some parishes might feel that the burden of contribution is unfair, especially if their own local funding is already stretched thin due to recovering from past storm damages. This resolution could spark discussions about fiscal responsibility, local governance, and the state’s role in managing common resources necessary for disaster preparedness.