Louisiana House Bill HCR201

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/21/11
• Engrossed: 6/22/11
• Passed: 6/23/11

Caption

Urge and request the U.S. Corps of Engineers to examine their protocols for management of the water in the Mississippi River to determine if those protocols are appropriate for water management of the river under current conditions

Impact

The examination sought by HCR201 implies a potential shift in how flood risks are managed in Louisiana and other states along the Mississippi River. If the Corps determines the need for revised protocols based on the 2011 flood data, new strategies may be proposed, potentially affecting both local governance and infrastructure investments. The resolution indicates that any changes needed may require congressional action, thus signaling a need for possible legislative follow-ups depending on the findings.

Summary

HCR201 urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate their current water management protocols for the Mississippi River. This resolution arises in the context of the significant flooding experienced in the spring of 2011, which highlighted the necessity for a review of the Corps' existing flood control strategies. The bill recognizes the historical context of the Mississippi River and Tributaries project aimed at providing effective flood protection and ensuring navigability of the river, assessing whether current methods are adequate under the evolving environmental conditions.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HCR201 appears largely supportive, as it represents a proactive approach to safeguarding communities from future flooding events. Lawmakers emphasize the importance of effectively managing river resources and have framed this examination as crucial for ongoing public safety. However, discussions surrounding the adequacy of the existing protocols reveal an underlying tension regarding resource allocation and the role of the federal government in managing regional issues.

Contention

Some contention exists regarding the congressional mandate that requires a specific percentage of water flow to be diverted to the Atchafalaya River. Opponents of the current protocols may argue that this requirement could hinder effective flood management strategies, especially after examining the impact of recent flooding. The resolution calls for a comprehensive assessment that could lead to significant policy adjustments, which might spark debates on local versus federal control over water management practices.