Directs the DOTD to require the Canadian National Railway Company to open all railroad crossings in Tangipahoa Parish between Kentwood and Ponchatoula.
Impact
SCR81 reflects a significant focus on improving transportation infrastructure within Tangipahoa Parish. By directing DOTD to work with CN, the resolution emphasizes the importance of maintaining and restoring public access to critical infrastructure that supports both safety and commerce. The requirement for CN to open these crossings not only benefits daily commuters but is also crucial for emergency response teams that rely on quick access to various parts of the community. If implemented, the resolution will have a direct positive impact on local traffic flow and emergency services access.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 81 (SCR81) calls upon the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to mandate the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) to reopen all railroad crossings along its tracks between Kentwood and Ponchatoula in Tangipahoa Parish. This resolution is grounded in the community's need for accessible and safe passage across the railroad, especially in light of several crossings that have been shut down in recent years. The reopening of these crossings is intended to enhance mobility, provide safer routes for emergency services, and improve overall connectivity for residents and businesses in the area.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR81 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, particularly among local residents and their representatives who see the resolution as a necessary step toward increased public safety and community cohesion. There is a strong advocacy for the resolution, reflecting a local consensus on the importance of proper access to transportation routes. Stakeholders are hopeful that engaging with CN will yield a favorable outcome, and the proactive measures outlined in SCR81 resonate positively with the community's needs.
Contention
While the resolution has garnered support, potential points of contention may arise regarding the timeline for reopening these crossings and CN's resources to fulfill such requests. If objections arise from CN about logistical or financial constraints, it could delay implementation. Thus, the effectiveness of SCR81 will heavily rely on the collaboration between state authorities and the railway company. Furthermore, discussions may need to address any safety standards or conditions that could come into effect with the reopening of these crossings, highlighting the delicate balance between operational feasibility for CN and the safety needs of the residents.
Expresses support for the relocation of the existing railroad lines in Plaquemines and Jefferson Parishes of the New Orleans and Gulf Coast Railway Company and the Union Pacific Railroad in order to improve the public safety of citizens, reduce vehicular and rail interfaces, improve air quality and mitigate congestion, and enhance economic development in those parishes.
Commends Gordon Burgess, Tangipahoa Parish President, on his thirty-two years of public service to the parish and for his many contributions to the state of Louisiana.
Establishes and provides for the Task Force on a New Mississippi River Bridge to study the practicality, feasibility, and development of a new bridge crossing the Mississippi River located between West Baton Rouge and Ascension parishes.
Requests DOTD to hold public meetings relative to proposed closure of a public railroad grade crossing on non-state maintained parish and municipal roadways.
Requests DOTD and DEQ to collaborate with the Union Pacific Railroad and designated federal agencies to conduct a thorough environmental review on quantifiable public health, safety, and welfare impacts associated with any new railroad alignment in the city of Gretna.