ENROLLED
2022 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 127
BY REPRESENTATIVE WILLARD
A RESOLUTION
To create the Louisiana Contraflow Task Force to study and make recommendations
regarding contraflow throughout the state, including safety recommendations such
as the implementation and use of a siren system near populated areas.
WHEREAS, the strategy for parishes dealing with natural disasters, such as potential
catastrophic hurricanes or man-made disasters, is to evacuate highly populated areas as
quickly and efficiently as possible for the safety of their citizens; and
WHEREAS, the state of Louisiana implemented a contraflow plan to aid in the quick
and efficient evacuation process of at-risk populations through lane reversals of major
interstates in the state, which would allow traffic to flow out of heavily populated areas
through increasing the number of available lanes; and
WHEREAS, contraflow is a highly effective action plan with economic and logistical
benefits, as contraflow reduces the cost and time required to construct additional lanes to
increase the capacity on the roadway necessary for accelerated evacuations; and
WHEREAS, contraflow lanes are easier to manage and enforce during emergency
situations, as a driver can only enter or leave the contraflow at limited, designated points;
and
WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation and Development is responsible for
public works and engineering functions on the state infrastructure system to implement
contraflow during natural disasters and manmade disasters; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation and Development and the Louisiana
State Police are responsible for having contraflow plans ready to be implemented when a
state of emergency is declared; and
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WHEREAS, with no mandatory contraflow plan in effect in Southern Louisiana,
citizens may choose an additional lane or road shoulder to use as their own contraflow
thereby creating dangerous and hazardous conditions for themselves and other citizens
evacuating; and
WHEREAS, an additional benefit to residents in the state would be alternative safety
mechanisms such as a system of sirens near at-risk populations to warn of natural disasters
and to prompt citizens to stay inside and listen to their local radio or television stations for
emergency messages; and
WHEREAS, in an effort to accomplish these goals the state would benefit from a
group of parish representatives and nonprofit groups involved in community work studying
ways to immediately implement a seamless plan for contraflow, the installation of siren
systems, the impact of the lack of siren systems, and other safety measures to mitigate
hazardous conditions.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby create the Louisiana Contraflow Task Force,
hereinafter referred to as the "task force", to study contraflow in the state of Louisiana, the
implementation of alternative safety mechanisms such as a system of sirens to aid in alerting
citizens of impeding danger and the need to evacuate, and other safety measures to mitigate
hazardous conditions.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall be composed as follows:
(1) One member appointed by the mayor of Orleans parish.
(2) One member appointed by the parish president for St. Bernard parish.
(3) One member appointed by the president of the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury.
(4) One member appointed by the parish president for Plaquemines parish.
(5) One member appointed by the parish president for St. John the Baptist parish.
(6) One member appointed by the parish president for St. James parish.
(7) One member from A Community Voice - Louisiana.
(8) One member from United Labor Unions Local 100.
(9) One member from the Association of Community Organizations for Reform
Now.
(10) One member from Save Our St. Bernard.
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(11) One member from Concerned Citizens of St. John.
(12) One member from Inclusive Louisiana and RISE St. John.
(13) One member from the Louisiana Oystermen Association.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall elect a chairman from its
membership and the members shall serve without compensation; however, the task force
may receive the same reimbursement of travel expenses for attending the meetings as is
allowed for other state employees.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is hereby charged with the
responsibility to make recommendations with respect to contraflow plans, alternative safety
mechanisms, and the implementation of a system of sirens to the Department of
Transportation and Development.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall convene its first meeting by
September 1, 2022, and shall meet, at a minimum, on a quarterly basis.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall submit a written report of
its findings and make recommendations to the House Committee on Transportation,
Highways and Public Works, the speaker of the House of Representatives, and the
Department of Transportation and Development no later than February 1, 2023.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development, the mayor of Orleans
parish, the parish president for St. Bernard parish, the president of the Calcasieu Parish
Police Jury, the parish president for Plaquemines parish, the parish president for St. John the
Baptist parish, the parish president for St. James parish, A Community Voice - Louisiana,
the United Labor Unions Local 100, the Association of Community Organizations for
Reform Now, Save Our St. Bernard, Concerned Citizens of St. John, Inclusive Louisiana and
RISE St. John, and the Louisiana Oystermen Association.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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