Louisiana bill reforms New Orleans flood board nominating process with CPRA inclusion

The Louisiana Legislature convened on May 12, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding transportation and infrastructure, particularly focusing on a proposed bill aimed at reforming the nominating process for flood control boards in the New Orleans Metro Area.

The meeting began with a detailed presentation of the bill, which seeks to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the nominating committee responsible for selecting members for two key boards overseeing flood control: one for the East Bank, covering Jefferson, Orleans, and Saint Bernard Parishes, and another for the West Bank, which includes Jefferson, Orleans, and Plaquemines Parishes. The current nominating committee consists of 11 members from various organizations, including the LSU School of Engineering and the Bureau of Government Research.

Key provisions of the bill include the addition of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) to the nominating committee, which is recognized as the state's leading organization for flood control. This change aims to formalize the committee's structure and improve its operations. The bill also designates the CPRA as the custodian of records for the committee and provides legal counsel through the Attorney General's office, which the committee has not previously had.

Another significant aspect of the bill is the adjustment of membership requirements for the boards. While maintaining the need for professional qualifications, the bill proposes to reduce the number of required engineers from five to four, allowing for a broader range of professionals, such as CPAs and lawyers, to apply. Additionally, the nominating committee will now be required to submit two nominations to the governor instead of one, increasing the options available for board appointments.

The committee received support from various stakeholders, with cards submitted in favor of the bill, including one from Governor Landry. However, there was also opposition noted, with a card submitted by an individual not wishing to speak.

As the meeting progressed, members of the committee engaged in discussions regarding the implications of the proposed changes, emphasizing the need for a more diverse and qualified pool of applicants to address the evolving challenges faced by the boards.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the Louisiana Legislature's commitment to improving flood control governance in the New Orleans Metro Area through legislative reform. The proposed bill aims to streamline the nominating process, enhance professional diversity on the boards, and ensure that the committees can operate more effectively in the face of ongoing environmental challenges. Further discussions and potential votes on the bill are expected in upcoming sessions.