To require the Corps of Engineers to update Upper Mississippi River levee and floodwall design standards, and for other purposes.
Impact
The bill emphasizes the importance of public involvement in the updates to the design standards, requiring public input at each development stage. This means that stakeholders and local communities will have opportunities to engage and contribute their knowledge and concerns towards improving flood protection. By implementing uniform standards and encouraging local engagement, the bill aims to enhance resilience against flooding, particularly in situations where local expertise may highlight unique vulnerabilities. Additionally, it indicates that local sponsors can maintain flood protection consistent with the newly established profiles without adverse effects on federally authorized projects.
Summary
House Bill 5722 mandates the Corps of Engineers to update design standards for levees and floodwalls along the Upper Mississippi River. This requirement is to ensure that flood protection measures are based on the most recent data regarding flood probabilities and safety factors. The goal of the bill is to reduce the risk of flooding in vulnerable areas by ensuring that the infrastructure is consistently updated to meet current and anticipated future conditions. Regular updates are mandated every 20 years, utilizing the latest flood frequency data and safety guidelines set by FEMA.
Contention
While the bill focuses on enhancing flood safety, there may be points of contention regarding the balance between federal and local control over flood management. Local sponsors are given the responsibility for maintenance to meet current standards, which presents challenges related to funding and resources. Some may express concern that dependency on local entities for maintenance could lead to varying levels of flood protection across different jurisdictions, which could ultimately affect community safety and preparedness. Thus, debates may arise on the effectiveness and sufficiency of local efforts compared to federally mandated standards.
Requests the United State Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Coast Guard to gather information learned during the 2011 Mississippi River floods and update plans for future flooding conditions on the river.
Requests the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to consider additional water diversion projects in addition to the Bonnet Carre' and Morganza Spillways to address high water issues on the Mississippi River.
To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate the portion of the Myakka River lying within Sarasota County, Florida as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes.
Commends Jana Napoli and the YA/YA Alumni artists for their art work and activities as ambassadors of Louisiana culture to the people of Poland and Germany through presentation of the Floodwall exhibit.
Requests the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to perform a cost benefit analysis on merging the Lafitte Area Independent Levee District with the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West.
Requests the Department of Transportation and Development to perform a cost benefit analysis on merging the Lafitte Area Independent Levee District with the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West.