Community petitions Governor Blanco for New Orleans levee board reform

In a recent meeting of the Senate Transportation Committee, significant discussions centered around the need for reform in Louisiana's levee board system, emphasizing the importance of scientific and technological expertise in flood protection. The committee highlighted the push for a unified, non-political levy board that would focus solely on safeguarding communities from flooding, a pressing concern for residents in flood-prone areas.

The conversation underscored the challenges faced in the past, particularly the failure of a reform bill that had garnered support from the New Orleans business council but was ultimately blocked by lawmakers in Baton Rouge. This setback ignited a grassroots movement, leading to a petition drive that successfully gathered 35,000 signatures in just three weeks, representing a third of New Orleans' population. The momentum from this effort prompted Governor Blanco to call a special session to address the pressing need for levee board reform.

During the special session, advocates worked diligently to secure legislative support, resulting in the passage of a bill aimed at establishing a more effective levee board structure. To ensure the longevity of these reforms, a constitutional amendment was proposed, which received overwhelming backing from 94% of unions and 81% of citizens statewide.

The newly established East and West levee authorities are now tasked with overseeing the design, construction, and maintenance of critical flood protection infrastructure. This shift marks a significant improvement over the previous system, which was criticized for its lack of focus on flood protection and involvement in unrelated matters such as casinos and land holdings.

Experts, including Louisiana State University geologist Paul Kemp, have noted that the current approach to flood protection is vastly superior to the old system. The emphasis on apolitical expertise is seen as essential for protecting over one million residents in a region that is vital to the nation’s seafood and oil and gas production.

As Louisiana continues to grapple with the realities of climate change and flooding, the reforms discussed in this meeting represent a crucial step toward enhancing community safety and resilience. The commitment to a focused and expert-driven levee board system is a hopeful sign for residents who depend on effective flood protection measures.