Louisiana House Bill HCR46

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/27/21
• Refer: 4/28/21
• Report Pass: 5/5/21
• Engrossed: 5/13/21
• Refer: 5/17/21
• Report Pass: 6/1/21
• Passed: 6/3/21

Caption

Urges and requests the governor's executive assistant for coastal activities to coordinate a study among state agencies and make recommendations to the governor and the legislature relative to management of the Amite River Basin

Impact

If enacted, this resolution would lead to a coordinated assessment from various state agencies, creating a unified approach towards flood management in the Amite River Basin. Education and information sharing among governing bodies, institutions, and stakeholders would be emphasized to better align efforts in flood control and infrastructure planning. The resultant study is expected to provide actionable data and recommendations for improving flood management practices, which can directly affect local statutes regarding land use and community safety.

Summary

HCR46 urges and requests the governor's executive assistant for coastal activities to coordinate a comprehensive study regarding the management of the Amite River Basin. This resolution highlights the need for enhanced floodplain management and integrated approaches to mitigate flood risks following a history of significant flooding events in the region, particularly the devastating floods of 2016. The bill underscores that flooding issues are not solely based on rainfall but are also affected by land use, policy decisions, and the operational effectiveness of flood control infrastructures.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HCR46 appears generally positive, as it seeks to address critical issues related to flood management and community safety. Legislators and community stakeholders recognize the necessity of a well-structured response to recurring flood challenges. Supporters appreciate the emphasis on collaboration among agencies and the acknowledgment of past failures in flood mitigation efforts. However, potential concerns may arise regarding how recommendations might impact local governance and the capacity of communities to address specific needs.

Contention

Key points of contention include the balance between state oversight and local autonomy in managing flood response initiatives. Some stakeholders might fear that centralized recommendations could overshadow local input, limiting communities' flexibility to devise tailored strategies addressing their specific vulnerabilities. While the resolution promotes comprehensive assessment and cooperation among various entities, the effectiveness of this approach will hinge on the inclusive nature of the study process and how well local needs are articulated and prioritized within the state framework.