RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 755 (HB 971) 2024 Regular Session Wright
New law creates the La. Ports and Waterways Investment Commission to serve as an
advocate for all of the state's ports, to articulate a vision for the future of the state's ports and
waterways investment through the development of strategic plan and investment program for
such purpose, to provide focus and coordination for the state's efforts to attract international
trade to the state's ports, to set funding priorities for the development and growth of the
state's ports and its water transportation system, and to leverage the financing capacity of the
state's ports through coordinated financing arrangements.
New law provides for governance of the commission by a board of directors composed of
the following members:
(1)One member appointed by the governor and who will serve as chairman.
(2)The commissioner of multimodal commerce in the Dept. of Transportation and
Development, who will serve as vice chairman.
(3)The secretary of the Dept. of Economic Development or his designee.
(4)One member of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker of the House
of Representatives.
(5)One member of the Senate appointed by the president of the Senate.
(6)Six members, each of whom must be the executive director of their port or their
designee, appointed by the governor from a list of four nominated individuals,
submitted per port classification by the Ports Association of La., and confirmed by
the Senate to be determined as follows:
(a)Two members from inland ports.
(b)Two members from coastal ports.
(c)Two members from deep water ports.
(7)One representative of the La. Railroads Association appointed by the governor.
(8)One representative of the La. Motor Transport Association appointed by the
governor.
New law requires a majority of the members of the board to constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business and all official action of the board requires the favorable vote of
2/3rds the entire membership of the board.
New law requires the commission to do the following:
(1)Represent the public interest in the administration of new law.
(2)Promulgate and amend rules and regulations necessary for the administration of the
functions of the commission.
(3)Organize, plan, supervise, direct, administer, execute, and be responsible for the
functions and programs vested in the commission.
(4)Advise the commissioner on problems concerning the administration of the
commission and the functions and operations of La. ports.
(5)Make reports and recommendations.
(6)Compile and provide all information necessary for confecting an annual budget.
New law authorizes the commission to do the following: (1)Employ personnel as necessary.
(2)Accept and use, in accordance with the law, gifts, grants, bequests, and endowments
for purposes consistent with the responsibilities and functions of the commission and
take such actions as are necessary to comply with any conditions required for such
acceptance.
(3)Do such other things, consistent with the law, as are necessary to perform properly
the functions vested in it.
New law requires a 2/3rds vote for any decision by the commission.
New law requires the board to develop a strategic plan and investment program for the
economic development of La. Ports. In addition, requires the board to review, revise, and
amend the strategic plan and investment program when necessary, or every two years.
New law requires that the strategic plan and investment program be separate and distinct
from the port priority program with the office of multimodal commerce.
New law requires the board to submit the plan and program, or revisions to the La. Board of
International Commerce for review and advice.
New law specifies that the strategic plan and investment program will only receive an
appropriation upon agreement of the governor and the legislature.
New law requires that after the adoption of a plan or revisions, that the board submit the
plan or revisions to the House and Senate committees on Transportation for review and
comment. Specifies that the committees, acting individually or jointly, have 60 days to hold
a hearing on the plan or revisions. Additionally, requires the board to consider the
committee's recommendations.
New law requires the plan or program be submitted to the La. Board of International
Commerce for review and advice.
New law requires the strategic plan and investment program to include but not be limited to
the following:
(1)A list of projects and programs intended to enhance trade utilizing La. ports.
(2)A schedule and estimated cost for the implementation of each project or program.
Prior law created the La. International Deep Water Gulf Transfer Terminal Authority, the
Southeast La. Port Authority Advisory Commission, and the office of port development
within the Dept. of Economic Development.
New law repeals prior law.
Prior law renamed and reorganized the Dept. of Economic Development as the Department
of Commerce and moved multimodal commerce from the Dept. of Transportation and
Development to the Dept. of Commerce.
New law repeals prior law.
Effective August 1, 2024.
(Adds R.S. 34:5221-5224; Repeals R.S. 34:3491- 3506 and 5210- 5215, R.S. 51:2701, and
Sec. 1 and 3(A) of Act No. 459 of the 2023 R.S.)