ENROLLED
2023 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 290
BY REPRESENTATIVES HODGES AND MINCEY
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request the Department of Transportation and Development to evaluate all
potential areas in the upper Amite River Basin on the potential to detain or retain
stormwater runoff through a system of structures.
WHEREAS, the Amite River Basin covers portions of Amite, Lincoln, Franklin, and
Wilkinson Counties in southwest Mississippi and East Feliciana, St. Helena, East Baton
Rouge, Livingston, Ascension, and Iberville Parishes in southeast Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, the Amite River Basin primarily has flooding from two different
sources, the upper and lower basin; and
WHEREAS, the upper basin flooding is caused from headwater flooding from
rainfall events; and
WHEREAS, the Amite River Basin was particularly impacted by the catastrophic
flood of 2016; and
WHEREAS, the Stormwater Master plan was launched in 2017 to address drainage
problems in the most efficient and effective way possible for citizens; and
WHEREAS, the plan will be developed in three phases, each phase including
numerous activities; and
WHEREAS, nearly all current efforts are focused solely on improving drainage to
the point of exceeding the physical capacities of the lower watershed, and a responsible
alternative is necessary; and
WHEREAS, the Comite River Diversion Canal Project is underway to alleviate
flooding that affects thousands of residents; and
WHEREAS, alleviating flooding in the Amite River is an essential component in
preparation for the next major rain event.
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THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
urge and request the Department of Transportation and Development to evaluate all potential
areas in the upper Amite River Basin on the potential to detain or retain stormwater runoff
through a system of structures.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the study shall consist of the upper Amite River
Basin North of the I-12 corridor where detention or retention of stormwater runoff could
have a positive and meaningful impact on the volume and timing of stormwater reaching the
middle and lower Amite River Basin.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the study shall determine if water supply sources and
recreational facilities are able to be incorporated into the detention or retention structures and
shall consider, at a minimum, the following:
(1) The development of a plan of managed storage or retention in sufficient volumes
to reduce flood impact to downstream areas for multiple storm sizes and durations, including
the development of conceptual designs and potential system operation guidance to minimize
flows downstream.
(2) The evaluation of impacts by incorporating existing and proposed drainage
improvements to quantify effects on the entire watershed.
(3) An evaluation of how benefits of detention and retention in the upper Amite
River Basin could support further efforts to improve drainage or flood control efforts in the
lower Amite River Basin.
(4) A determination of the viability of water supply and recreational facilities at each
detention and retention structure.
(5) A determination of the social and economic impacts and benefits both upstream
and downstream of each structure.
(6) An evaluation of the environmental impacts and benefits upstream and
downstream from each structure and an evaluation of the potential impacts and benefits to
the aquifers.
(7) The development of the feasibility of design and construction with cost estimates
of the detention or retention structures, in compliance R.S. 38:21.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation and
Development shall recognize and acknowledge the efforts completed by others by utilizing
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recently collected data, modeling efforts, and previous studies to reduce duplication of effort
and accelerate the study process.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation and
Development shall provide a written report detailing the completion timeline and the
associated costs for the evaluation of the upper Amite River Basin to the chairman of the
House Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works and the chairman of the
Senate Committee on Transportation, Highways, and Public Works by January 1, 2024.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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