Louisiana House Bill HCR63

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/7/20
• Refer: 5/13/20
• Report Pass: 5/20/20
• Engrossed: 5/25/20
• Report Pass: 5/28/20
• Passed: 6/1/20

Caption

Urges and requests the division of administration, office of community development, to consider funding the Darlington Reservoir

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the potential benefits of the Darlington Reservoir, which is designed to hold water only in emergencies, thereby acting as a buffer against floods. According to studies referenced in the resolution, this project could have significantly reduced flooding impacts in communities downstream, potentially saving thousands of homes and preventing billions of dollars in property damage during the 2016 floods. The advocacy for such infrastructure funding aligns with broader state efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

Summary

HCR63 is a House Concurrent Resolution that urges the Division of Administration, Office of Community Development, to consider funding the Darlington Reservoir project as a flood prevention measure. The resolution reflects concerns about the significant flooding experienced in the Baton Rouge region during the 2016 disaster, where a substantial portion of the flooded lands were in high-risk zones. The bill advocates for proactive infrastructure projects, highlighting the importance of developing systems that can mitigate similar flooding events in the future.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HCR63 appears to be positive, with a recognition of the critical need for improved flood management strategies following the 2016 disaster. Supporters argue that funding the Darlington Reservoir is a necessary step to safeguard communities from future flooding calamities. The resolution is rooted in data suggesting that similar projects could have a considerable positive impact on both lives and property, creating a consensus among various stakeholders for enhancement in infrastructure aimed at flood prevention.

Contention

While the resolution itself does not appear to present significant contention, the broader implications of funding initiatives like the Darlington Reservoir may lead to discussions regarding budget priorities and the allocation of state resources for infrastructure projects. Points of contention may arise around the actual feasibility of the funding and the timeline for project development, as well as how to ensure that similar flood prevention strategies are prioritized alongside other infrastructure needs across the state.