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 469 Original 2022 Regular Session Travis Johnson
Abstract: Creates the Delta Bike Trail Commission.
Proposed law creates the Delta Bike Trail Commission as political subdivision of the state with
power and functions as set forth in proposed law.
Proposed law requires the commission be domiciled in Concordia, Tensas, Madison, and East
Carroll parishes, with its headquarters in Vidalia, La.
Proposed law provides that the commission is created for the purpose of overseeing the development
and upkeep of the Delta Bike Trail (trail), a bike and walking trail along and on the Mississippi River
in Northeast La. through the parishes of Concordia, Tensas, Madison, and East Carroll.
Proposed law authorizes the commission to do the following:
(1)Receive funding from the Dept. of Transportation and Development (DOTD), the Dept. of
Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, or any federal state funds or grants for the development
of the trail.
(2)Promote marathons, nature-based, recreational, scenic, cultural, historic, and other forms of
tourism.
(3)Improve transportation and communication facilities and access within the trail area.
(4)Further develop family-oriented recreational facilities along the trail area.
(5)Promote and market the region through a variety of communications media including maps,
guides, tapes, videos, advertisement, signage, and electronic media.
Proposed law requires the commissioners serve four-year terms.
Proposed law requires the commission consist of seven members designated and appointed by each
of the following:
(1)The lieutenant governor.
(2)The secretary of the DOTD. (3)The state representative for District 21.
(4)The president of the Concordia Parish Police Jury.
(5)The president of the East Carroll Parish Police Jury.
(6)The president of the Tensas Parish Police Jury.
(7)The president of the Madison Parish Police Jury.
Proposed law specifies that members of the commission will not receive any salary for the
performance of their duties as commissioners. Authorizes reimbursement of mileage expenses
incurred for attendance at meetings of the commission.
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 members elect from among themselves a chair and other officers as
deemed necessary.
Proposed law requires the commission meet not less than quarterly. Authorizes the commission hold
such other meetings deemed necessary and called by the chairman or by a majority of the members.
Proposed law requires the members elect from among themselves a chair and other officers as
deemed necessary.
Proposed law requires the commission adopt bylaws to govern its affairs and activities. Requires the
committee be subject to La. ethics law.
Proposed law authorizes the commission to perform, procure from the 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 requires the parish planning and zoning departments of Concordia, Tensas, Madison,
and East Carroll parishes 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 the commission have the following duties and authority: (1)To adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of the commission, for the
governance of its affairs, and for the conduct of its business.
(2)To adopt, use, and alter at will an official seal.
(3) To plan, construct, reconstruct, maintain, improve, operate, own, or lease projects within the
trail area in the manner determined by the commission and to pay any project costs in
connection therewith.
(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 receive grants, donations, funds, or other resources from any source, including proceeds
from the sale of services.
(7)To acquire property, including rights-of-way; and hold and use any franchise or property,
immovable, movable, or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, necessary or
desirable for carrying out the purposes of the commission.
(8)To contract with any person, partnership, association, or corporation desiring the use of any
part of the trail or trail area, including the right-of-way adjoining the paved portion, for
placing thereon any of the following: a 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 no more than the direct and actual
cost of the commission in administering the permitting process.
(9)To enter into contracts including those for purchase, construction, and improvement of works
and facilities necessary in connection with the planning and development of the trail.
(10)To sell or lease property owned by it when such property is no longer needed for public
purposes.
(11)To appoint agents or employees, prescribe their duties, and fix their compensation.
(12)To provide matching grants for the restoration or improvement of private properties located
within the trail or trail area, when such restoration or improvement is determined by the
commission to be consistent with the master plan for the development of the trail.
(13)To do all acts and perform things necessary or convenient to execute the powers granted to
the commission by law.
(Adds R.S. 25:1301-1306)