Louisiana House Bill HCR72

Louisiana 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/3/23
• Refer: 5/4/23
• Report Pass: 5/9/23
• Engrossed: 5/18/23
• Refer: 5/22/23
• Report Pass: 5/25/23
• Passed: 5/31/23

Caption

Urges and requests the United States Army Corps of Engineers to reconsider the mitigation and stewardship plan for the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion to include tidal levee protection for Lafitte, Barataria, and Crown Point

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the importance of investing in flood mitigation strategies to safeguard communities that have historically faced challenges from natural disasters. By urging USACE to adapt its plans, HCR72 reflects a proactive approach to ensure that necessary protections are in place. This could influence state laws related to disaster preparedness and infrastructure development, as it highlights the need for enhanced protective measures in response to ecological changes driven by projects like the sediment diversion.

Summary

HCR72 is a house concurrent resolution urging the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to reconsider its mitigation and stewardship plan for the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion. The resolution specifically calls for the incorporation of tidal levee protection for the communities of Lafitte, Barataria, and Crown Point. This is prompted by environmental and ecological concerns linked to the diversion's operation, which poses heightened risks of flooding for these vulnerable areas. Through this resolution, the Louisiana legislature seeks to address potential negative impacts on local infrastructure and community safety.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR72 appears to be one of bipartisan support given the unanimous voting outcome with 33 yeas and no nays during the Senate vote. This indicates a shared recognition of the urgency to protect communities from the risks associated with the sediment diversion project. Discussions around the resolution may be framed by a sense of collective responsibility towards ensuring community resilience against flooding, showcasing a common commitment towards their safety and well-being.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the impacts of sediment diversions themselves, which are often controversial due to their complex ecological and social implications. While the intent of HCR72 is to enhance flood protection, concerns could be raised regarding the efficacy of the proposed tidal levee protections and their environmental implications. Additionally, securing funding and support from federal representatives remains critical, as the resolution requests the Louisiana Congressional Delegation to assist in these efforts, highlighting a potential area for future debate regarding resource allocation.