Directs flood protection districts and parish governing authorities in areas benefitting from the federal Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS) to contribute towards the $400 million annual payments the state must make for this project (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Impact
The resolution specifically targets the governing bodies of St. Charles, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and Orleans parishes as well as the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authorities. These entities are urged to present a concrete plan for financial contribution by December 1, 2021. This legislative move is intended to alleviate the financial pressures on the state as a whole and ensure that those who benefit from significant flood protection infrastructure contribute their fair share to its funding.
Summary
HCR6 is a House Concurrent Resolution that urges and requests the governing authorities of several parishes in Southeast Louisiana to devise and implement a plan to contribute towards the financial obligations owed to the federal government for the Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS). This program aims to protect regions prone to flooding by improving storm protection infrastructure. As it stands, the financial burden of the HSDRRS project—totaling over one billion dollars—is falling disproportionately on the remaining parishes in Louisiana, which do not benefit directly from the system, leading to concerns about equity and financial responsibility.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR6 appears to be a mix of urgency and fairness. Proponents likely view it as a necessary step to create a more equitable financial landscape regarding flood protection in Louisiana. Given the historical context of Hurricane Katrina and ongoing concerns about storm impacts, this resolution uniquely underscores the need for collaboration among local governments to support infrastructural resilience. However, there may also be some apprehension or resistance from the governing authorities of the affected parishes regarding the new financial obligations.
Contention
Notably, there may be points of contention among the parishes regarding the financial contribution levels proportional to flood risk and benefits derived from the HSDRRS. Some parishes might feel that the burden of contribution is unfair, especially if their own local funding is already stretched thin due to recovering from past storm damages. This resolution could spark discussions about fiscal responsibility, local governance, and the state’s role in managing common resources necessary for disaster preparedness.
Directs the allocation of federal funds received due to Hurricane Isaac to parishes based on the amount of damage sustained within the parish. (EN SEE FISC NOTE FF EX See Note)
Provides for the disbursement of certain revenue from the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund for hurricane protection purposes. (EN NO IMPACT See Note)
Memorializes the United States Congress to invest in hurricane storm damage reduction, flood protection, and drainage infrastructure projects in the Amite River Basin
Requests the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to incorporate the East Biloxi Shoreline Barrier Zone as a vital component in the state and federal master plans for coastal restoration and storm protection.
Urges and requests the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East and West Bank to study the feasibility of spending funds across the various levee districts
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.