[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6063097,"mediaKeyId","3272612-038a43eac0b96453b2442caf4df74b9a","parentId",3272612,"title","Committee adopts substitute to formalize nominating committee for New Orleans‑area flood protection authorities","audioSeconds",1176,"startMs",11671000,"endMs",12847000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3272612-038a43eac0b96453b2442caf4df74b9a&start=11671&end=12847","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3272612-038a43eac0b96453b2442caf4df74b9a/thumbnail_11671000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6063097/Louisiana/Committee-adopts-substitute-to-formalize-nominating-committee-for-New-Orleansarea-flood-protection-authorities","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063097-7cc3aef07898d5b99cd387982d36a029/orig.mp4?Expires=1770414261&Signature=H120B8BciJ6dOG7IaFYq4V31xoaPF~LqWdQBNeVldZbacfC75V~DDim8md6LkKpRdFbIg8Ll-zciSuF2hRIu4adm4Hu6oh0qwfx8ukdHS2njl3ckN9zEFX4Q1Vnfd1esgSXaG78feofZ8cAhqxL~Ka7eDvIAn3cSkOCkliXoPzTGffl3VVT7MtcRGunb~VJYTstIkCUfG64-zHDw46EyX2TJg4xMqdvsEvw1dJCGHTrGIll2VWE6r-63X48wmcFg9Gz6AbDpgw2w2MnqiXLnffoA34KPEULOSj9pfnGkNfoYU3f54uWy6HtU1i~edU15Q1pAS83-HKmmwAdbaAOEyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Louisiana Legislature","date","2025-05-12T00:00:00Z","article","The House Transportation Committee on Monday reported a substitute for House Bill 6 33 that modifies the nominating committee that supplies candidates to the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East and West.

Representative Breaux, sponsor of the substitute, said the bill \"refreshes a very unique board and nominating process\" created after Hurricane Katrina to move flood protection boards toward professional, apolitical leadership. The substitute adds the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) to the statutory nominating committee, makes CPRA the custodian of committee records, and provides legal counsel for the nominating committee from the Attorney General’s office. It also allows the committee to meet remotely.

Civic groups applauded portions of the substitute but urged one more change. Blair DuCanay of Citizens for One Greater New Orleans and Ruthie Frierson, a longtime civic leader, thanked the sponsor for preserving the independent nominating committee but asked that the bill be amended to restore a board’s right to select its own chair. \"We are asking that an amendment be added to this bill to restore that right,\" DuCanay said, arguing the change would preserve the apolitical nature of the boards.

PAR and others noted the substitute keeps the nominating committee intact rather than eliminates it, a change from prior proposals. The committee adopted the substitute and voted to report the bill. Representative Breaux said the substitute reflects widespread stakeholder conversations and will help ensure qualified, professional leadership for levee and flood protection authorities.

Why it matters

The post‑Katrina governance reforms created an expert‑led nominating process to ensure that boards in the New Orleans region include required technical expertise for levee design, maintenance and oversight. Civic groups and the Public Affairs Research Council urged preserving the nonpolitical, independent process and the ability for local boards to choose their own leadership. The substitute was reported; advocates asked the sponsor to consider a follow‑on amendment restoring board authority to select their chair.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Transportation - May 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Transportation Committee reported a substitute for House Bill 6 33 on May 12 that updates the nominating committee for the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East and West, adding CPRA and clarifying record custody and counsel.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature LA, Louisiana","taxId",78558,"location","Louisiana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6063111,"House committee advances bill letting Port of New Orleans pursue P3 for Saint Bernard corridor",9520,2194000,11714000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3272612-038a43eac0b96453b2442caf4df74b9a&start=2194&end=11714","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3272612-038a43eac0b96453b2442caf4df74b9a/thumbnail_2194000.jpg","/articles/6063111/Louisiana/House-committee-advances-bill-letting-Port-of-New-Orleans-pursue-P3-for-Saint-Bernard-corridor","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063111-67ac092f718cb58f4881198c66892242/orig.mp4?Expires=1770414261&Signature=Ryur-a5ViDnZYFXMVeTZjL6XaBQQ717jQxS-suhUvHZtmqGOs6Ldu7-mZDMll0YBCR2QwafDWoha82PCDI8K7i4J-xS1Hhq-6V1pxaxzMaAcRnhcRDna7~BhnW79QNDAj9weEHA9neI3So-MDG9IbY~U1z3IH3PpSn2JHT3fyEDpoMR1kZugNnfnK3JYNWLiOCKCU7ckZ7pcsBVtGfFbQXGKAalHeZRInqdgBttMRuiOwaj~3a7o6K~GeGpnk0ocHm5hoBOweNKP05kPZ31nvZXGMM8ulnxvxoU46JC4vy7uCkI5o6ok4gCuwbqZSnGU7uo83GNUg8NUrp-QEDUMMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Transportation Committee members on Monday voted to report a substitute for House Bill 6 16 that lets the Port of New Orleans seek public‑private partnerships to build the Saint Bernard Transportation Corridor, a roadway proponents say is critical if a proposed Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) proceeds in St. Bernard Parish.

Proponents told the committee the substitute narrows earlier language, adds coordination with the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) and St. Bernard Parish, and limits the bill’s scope to the corridor itself. \"This bill is specific to the Saint Bernard Transportation Corridor,\" said Chris Kane, outside counsel for the Port of New Orleans. \"All powers related to it are related only to this road.\"

The measure drew sharp opposition from St. Bernard officials, school leaders and residents who said the corridor and the port project are inseparable and that local stakeholders were not adequately consulted. \"If the port comes to St. Bernard Parish, this transportation corridor is absolutely vital,\" said Donnie Bourgeois, St. Bernard parish chief administrative officer, who said his administration now supports the substitute. \"But we feel that some insurance has been put into place to ease the minds of the residents of St. Bernard Parish.\"

What the substitute does and does not do

The substitute directs creation of a corridor and authorizes a board to enter concession or P3 agreements, coordinate with DOTD and consult St. Bernard Parish on design and impacts. It also includes language permitting the board to accept federal grants or donations; proponents said that would allow federal funds to lower tolls or terms if available. Michael Thomas, chairman of the Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners, told the committee the port is seeking a P3 because it expects private partners to help finance construction so the state and parish do not bear the up‑front cost. \"This is no cost to the state of Louisiana. This is a P3 partnership,\" Thomas said.

Committee members asked whether the substitute removes legislative review of any future concession agreement; Kane and Thomas said the substitute contemplates a public RFP process managed by the port and that concession terms would be negotiated through that procurement rather than returned to the legislature. \"The intent is to attract private equity firms and have a concession agreement negotiated through RFP,\" Kane said. He added that any windfall or excess toll revenue would be used to pay down tolls or shorten the concession term, not to create unanticipated port profit.

Local officials and school leaders push back

St. Bernard parish elected leaders, the superintendent and school board members told the committee they remain worried about a school — Willie Smith Elementary — located inside the project footprint. \"We do not intend to sell the school,\" said Superintendent Doris Voci. \"There was no communication with the school system prior to the port buying surrounding property.\" Perry Nicosia, St. Bernard parish district attorney, said the school board has filed litigation and that any proposals about relocating or replacing the school would require the school board’s approval. Residents and school board members asked for firm commitments about funding and timing for any new school construction before supporting the project. \"They cannot tell us a specific dollar figure for a new school,\" said Millie Harris, school board vice president.

Economic development claims and tradeoffs

State economic development officials and business leaders framed the corridor and terminal as an economic opportunity. Susan Bourgeois, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, told the committee the terminal is the first new greenfield container port being developed in the United States and cited projected job and tax figures. Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc., said the terminal could deliver \"$27 million in new annual tax revenue within five years,\" and thousands of new jobs, a claim proponents used to argue the corridor is necessary to permit the terminal to operate without routing heavy truck traffic through neighborhoods and school zones. Opponents countered that projected economic benefits are speculative and questioned the scale of public financial support being contemplated.

Implementation and next steps

Proponents said the corridor would be designed in coordination with DOTD and St. Bernard and that federal permitting and procurement will shape final routes and financial terms. Kane and Thomas said DOTD could have the option to accept the roadway upon the end of the concession term but that DOTD cannot commit now to take the asset, citing federal rules. The substitute rejects immediate state appropriation demands but allows the board to accept federal or other grants if available.

Committee action

Representative Walters moved to report the substitute bill; Representative Phelps recorded the objection. The roll call produced 10 yeas and 3 nays and the committee reported House Bill 6 16 by substitute. The substitute advances the board’s authority to pursue P3 procurement and requires further permitting, design and local coordination before construction could begin.

Why it matters

Supporters say a dedicated corridor is the only practical way to keep heavy port truck traffic off local roads, protect schools and neighborhoods, and enable an international container terminal that they say would generate jobs and state and local tax revenue. Opponents say the project was advanced without sufficient local engagement, that permits and exact routes remain unresolved, and they pressed for stronger guarantees about local protections and school replacement funding before the state cedes broad P3 authority to a port board.

What remains unresolved

The substitute sets a path for procurement, but critical details — route selection from the regional planning process, final concession terms, toll and term limits, the availability of federal funding and any commitments to build or fund a replacement school — remain to be decided during permitting and the public RFP/concession process.

","The House Transportation Committee advanced a substitute for House Bill 6 16 on May 12 that authorizes the Port of New Orleans to pursue public‑private partnerships to finance and build the Saint Bernard Transportation Corridor, a roadway proponents say is necessary if a proposed Louisiana International Terminal moves forward.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6063102,"Committee supports raising trailer registration fees to boost rural road maintenance; fiscal note sends bill to appropriations",778,1394000,2172000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3272612-038a43eac0b96453b2442caf4df74b9a&start=1394&end=2172","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3272612-038a43eac0b96453b2442caf4df74b9a/thumbnail_1394000.jpg","/articles/6063102/Louisiana/Committee-supports-raising-trailer-registration-fees-to-boost-rural-road-maintenance-fiscal-note-sends-bill-to-appropriations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063102-646ca412d07c3e66d9a209015cbb513b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770414261&Signature=jNle7VgW68BazeIrVaRrJU227kQL1WwaaF1YkRgemqk1fnu86ON4IEkFujXeV70E~nqNjBA8MlJ8rkFFOPOugNduN7kjyPJ-P9PSy9ZkRhUt45cLWebJznfP7rNrFGv~Ez0LQ-4rgMwkuI3xl6~VuP8QRZM~byCFC4PEFznxQrLhPWdCOB57w4oSYsGZy0JCBLvljgAGPLUVtAkwROV3xisYTh9ztfRMhkim6MHbyMk33GeDPqdzZC9Px3J48f5Q1Dfkim7DmrieJpSDsfkYYRCAvesrTkvD5sORYjevzCPES~TafGMtDNz8lBXtZy2zEnDd2DbayOT3tEqdCsC-OA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Transportation Committee voted Monday to report House Bill 6 60, a measure to increase annual registration fees on trailers and subtrailers to boost dedicated funding for rural road maintenance and ferries.

Representative Brett Boyd, authoring the bill with co‑sponsors including Senator Carter, said the statutory dedicated fees for light trailers had not been increased since 2002 and do not cover rising maintenance costs. \"This is the only statutorily dedicated money that we have that goes to maintaining our rural roads,\" Boyd said. The substitute raises the annual fee for certain light trailers from $3 (or $10 for some categories as described in current law) to new amounts intended to increase revenue for the transportation trust that supports non‑state rural roads and ferry operations.

Opponents and concerns raised

Some lawmakers and industry witnesses opposed the change or urged caution. Representative Shamarhorn said drivers and small working households already face heavy cost pressures and opposed an across‑the‑board fee rise. Renee Amor of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association testified that the bill would impose an annual fee on every trailer, including many currently parked or out of service, and urged consideration of alternatives such as broader fuel taxes that spread cost across all users.

Committee vote and disposition

Representative Phelps moved to report the bill favorably. The committee recorded a roll‑call vote that produced six yeas and three nays; because the measure carries a fiscal note it will be recommitted to the House Appropriations Committee for additional review of the fiscal impact. Committee staff said the fee increases would be deposited with DOTD and used for non‑state rural road maintenance and ferry support, with refunds available for trailers not in use.

Why it matters

Supporters argue the targeted fee is the statutory funding source for maintaining non‑state rural roads and ferries and has not been raised in more than two decades, reducing buying power against increased maintenance costs. Opponents say the fee is regressive for working people and urged broader conversations about spreading costs. The bill’s next stop is Appropriations, where the fiscal analysis and potential mitigation measures will be considered.","House Bill 6 60 would raise annual registration fees on trailers and subtrailers to produce additional revenue for rural road maintenance. The Transportation Committee voted to report the bill favorably, 6‑3, and because of a fiscal note the measure will be recommitted to Appropriations for further review.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6063105,"Committee approves amendments to bill creating Iberia Parish airport district after local objections",1054,54000,1108000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3272612-038a43eac0b96453b2442caf4df74b9a&start=54&end=1108","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3272612-038a43eac0b96453b2442caf4df74b9a/thumbnail_54000.jpg","/articles/6063105/Louisiana/Committee-approves-amendments-to-bill-creating-Iberia-Parish-airport-district-after-local-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063105-abbc420f510ffb8c1191ff07693a9df1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770414261&Signature=c-mr3D8BcaQdCs-MuuyeNpnEyf7M7Z1j7fJcZ7A0jwziuIfnOkHlSDl6On8GqAArwP31-d5Af71x39-g1A09gKVB1KW38Tm4l87fTDHe6CeO6zw9cIR54vT-GpU~aqrDBnSz4zA~PPSGJvfnGnkzJS1h2GychCUnIk4QbpVkUN~rD9Amrx9XTEoJQgLFIaTdsGyf6-o6qv9oSMMEe0R-ul1JmS~HTZODZbIdueHAtUbOn7BR5RE-FOzn3BW8gmu6URkcYQA8LmU08wtY8B9ApKsVPUVhM2bmUNrDQNi-w8RG2JgwzS8evMy-B1duBJWYlieK7CNHdd6Z1btUGDiViA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Transportation Committee on Monday adopted amendments to House Bill 6 13 that would create an Iberia Parish airport district for the Acadiana Regional Airport but preserve parish council authority over appointments and final approval. The committee adopted two amendment sets, including one that added a requirement that the district not be created without majority approval of the Iberia Parish Council and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Representative Volier introduced the bill as a mechanism to transition the municipal airport to a district similar to other airport districts around the state. \"In Iberia Parish, we have the Acadiana Regional Airport. It's set up as a municipal airport ... we're looking to create an airport district,\" Volier told the committee. Staff presented a set of 23 amendments (identified as 13 46) that were primarily technical; a second 4‑amendment set (25 58) added the council and FAA approval language and altered board composition and quorum rules. \"We are amending the bill to give the Iberia Parish Council the full appointing authority,\" Volier said.

Public comment reflected both support and opposition. Patrick Norris, chairman of the Iberia Parish Airport Commission, spoke in favor, saying the commission and local airport tenants back the move and that other airports are forming districts this legislative session. \"The commission wants to be on the same playing field as so many other airports throughout the state,\" Norris said. Two Iberia Parish officials — Councilwoman Lady Fontenette Brown (District 12) and Parish President M. Larry Richard — spoke in opposition, saying they had not been consulted and expressing concern about local control over a parish asset. \"This is a failure of transparency and respect for local governance,\" Councilwoman Brown said, urging the committee to consider the broader impact on local authority.

Key changes and reasoning

The amendments: (1) require majority approval of the Iberia Parish Council and the FAA before the district can be created; (2) give the parish council authority to appoint all district board members and to remove members by majority vote; (3) revise domicile requirements for board members to ensure representation from New Iberia and the city of Jeanerette; and (4) raise the quorum requirement for the district board to four members. Representative Volier said those changes were made after parish council members raised concerns that the original bill reduced their current appointing authority.

Committee action and next steps

Both amendment sets were adopted without recorded objection; the bill was reported by the committee as amended. Supporters said the changes attach county oversight to the new district and will require the parish council’s \"stamp of approval\" before a district could be established. Opponents, including a councilwoman and the parish president, asked for more time and more local engagement before the legislature moves the measure further.

Why it matters

The change would alter governance of local airport operations: moving from a municipal commission appointed by the parish council to a district with statutory authority. The adopted amendments preserve the council’s power to appoint and remove board members and require its approval to create the district, addressing the objections raised during public testimony. The bill as amended proceeds in the legislative process.","House Bill 6 13, which would create an Iberia Parish Airport Authority to transition the Acadiana Regional Airport from municipal control to a special district, was amended Monday to give the Iberia Parish Council final approval and appointing authority after parish officials objected to the original draft.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee adopts substitute to formalize nominating committee for New Orleans‑area flood protection authorities

House committee advances bill letting Port of New Orleans pursue P3 for Saint Bernard corridor

Committee supports raising trailer registration fees to boost rural road maintenance; fiscal note sends bill to appropriations

Committee approves amendments to bill creating Iberia Parish airport district after local objections