To study the feasibility of widening a certain portion of Louisiana Highway 16 to four lanes.
Impact
If enacted, SCR18 could lead to significant changes in infrastructure within the region, promoting better traffic flow and improving road safety for motorists, particularly for those in proximity to Live Oak High School and the Live Oak Sports Complex. The resolution points to safety as a critical issue, with potential improvements in visibility and traffic management that come with a widened highway. Furthermore, positive impacts on local economy and tourism could stem from enhanced accessibility in the area, positioned to benefit from increased vehicular capacity.
Summary
SCR18 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that urges the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to conduct a feasibility study on widening a portion of Louisiana Highway 16 from two lanes to four lanes between Louisiana Highways 1019 and 1022. The resolution highlights the growing population in Livingston Parish, particularly in Denham Springs, and the need to enhance road safety and alleviate heavy traffic congestion in this area. By making this request, the resolution underscores the urgency of addressing transportation needs in response to population increases.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR18 is predominantly supportive, reflecting an understanding of the pressing infrastructure needs that coincide with population growth in the region. While there may be a general acknowledgment of the benefits of such a project, detailed discussions and public debates might arise concerning the specific methods of funding and execution for the highway widening. Many stakeholders are likely to view the resolution favorably given the anticipated benefits for the community.
Contention
While there doesn't appear to be overt contention recorded in the voting history, which shows unanimous support in the House with 82 yeas and 0 nays, the resolution does bring forth important discussions regarding transportation priorities and budget allocations. Critics, if any emerge in future discussions, may raise concerns about the costs involved versus the projected benefits, as well as broader implications for land use and local ecosystems during the construction phase.
Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development to study and take measures to relieve traffic congestion on Louisiana Highway 16 at Live Oak High School
Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development study the addition of a shoulder on Louisiana Highway 19 between north Zachary and the Mississippi state line
Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development conduct a study and make plans relative to emergency evacuation routes for public safety
Recreates the Louisiana Public Defender Optimal Funding Group to study and make recommendations regarding the feasibility of establishing an optimal funding mechanism for the Louisiana Public Defender Board.
Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development to evaluate all potential areas in the upper Amite River Basin on the potential to detain and retain stormwater runoff through a system of structures
Expresses the condolences of the Legislature of Louisiana on the death of former Louisiana State Representative and U.S. Congressman Anthony Claude "Buddy" Leach, Jr.
Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development to reevaluate and construct a safety installation in a certain community in Shreveport, Louisiana
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.