Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

Louisiana Senate Bill SB646

Introduced
3/29/10  
Refer
3/29/10  
Report Pass
5/17/10  
Engrossed
5/20/10  
Refer
5/24/10  
Report Pass
6/4/10  
Enrolled
6/18/10  
Chaptered
6/29/10  

Caption

Authorizes certain parishes to provide excavation equipment to parish residents for drainage maintenance and improvement. (1/1/11)

Impact

The pilot program emphasizes local self-governance by empowering parish residents with the necessary equipment and responsibility for vital drainage projects. This change could lead to significant improvements in local infrastructure, directly addressing community-specific drainage problems more effectively than state-led initiatives might be able to. The program's success could set a precedent for similar initiatives in other parishes, thus extending its potential impact across the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 646 aims to establish a pilot program in certain parishes of Louisiana, specifically those with populations between 48,500 and 52,000, to facilitate improvements in drainage systems. The bill authorizes parish governing authorities to enter into agreements with local residents allowing them to rent excavation equipment for the purpose of maintaining and improving drainage infrastructure. This initiative is designed to enhance community involvement and efficiency in managing local drainage concerns, thereby potentially alleviating flooding issues in these regions.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment around SB 646 appears supportive among local governance advocates who believe in fostering community-driven initiatives. However, there may be concerns regarding liability, training of residents on equipment use, and the adequacy of resources to manage such programs effectively. While improving drainage can be widely recognized as a positive goal, unease about the details of execution and potential unintended consequences may temper enthusiasm.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the implications of transferring operational responsibilities onto residents, raising questions of accountability and public safety. Concerns exist regarding whether local residents possess the necessary expertise to handle excavation equipment safely and the potential for accidents or damage. Additionally, the limited duration of the program raises uncertainty about its long-term effectiveness and sustainability, as it is only applicable from January 1, 2011 to January 1, 2012.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA SB659

Establishes the State Highway Maintenance by Parishes Pilot Program providing for transfer of maintenance money to the parishes in DOTD District 03 for maintenance of state highways located in District 03. (7/1/10)

LA SB252

Authorizes the Livingston Parish Gravity Drainage District to levy their own 1/2 cent sales tax. (8/15/11)

LA SB439

Authorizes certain parishes to create a conservation district. (8/1/12)

LA SB64

Creates the Lakeview Street Maintenance District in Orleans Parish. (7/1/10) (EN +$1,021,200 LF RV See Note)

LA SB395

Creates a railroad district encompassing Vermilion and Iberia parishes. (8/15/10)

LA SB493

Provides relative to certain drainage districts. (8/1/22)

LA SB707

Provides for the definition of contractor for purposes of the occupational license tax in certain parishes. (8/15/10) (EN DECREASE LF RV See Note)

LA SB233

Increases "contract limit" that requires public bid for public work related to drainage projects done by regular maintenance employees in St. Charles Parish. (8/1/19)

LA SB703

Creates and provides for the Broadmoor Neighborhood Improvement District in Orleans Parish. (7/1/10)

LA SB585

Provides for cleanup and removal of abandoned structures in certain parishes. (8/1/12)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.