House Transportation Committee approves two CMAR Seymour contracts for stadium and sheriff's office

The House Transportation Committee unanimously approved two construction‑management‑at‑risk contracts with Seymour on Friday, granting local authorities permission to use the CMAR delivery method for the Shrine on Airline stadium renovation and for a project at the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Vice Chairman Fano moved to accept the Seymour contract for the Shrine on Airline reconfiguration; the chair asked for objections and, "seeing none, that Seymour has been approved," the committee recorded. Representative Wiley then moved acceptance of a Seymour contract on behalf of the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office; the motion likewise passed with no objections. The chair noted a letter from Sheriff Weber dated Sept. 4 was on file regarding the Ascension request.

Supporters said CMAR helps align contractors, designers and local governments to set guaranteed maximum prices and reduce dispute risk while allowing renovation around ongoing facility operations. Daniel Burke, director of business operations for ASM New Orleans, told the panel the strategy would "identify and minimize risk disputes, and [provide] flexibility to execute renovation around the requirements and desire to maintain operations at the facility."

The actions were taken via voice procedure; the transcript records no roll‑call vote or member dissent. Representative Schammerhorn separately moved and the committee approved interim minutes dated March 20, 2023. Representative Dickerson moved to adjourn later in the session and the committee complied.

The committee did not set conditions or amendments on either Seymour contract during the hearing; staff offered to provide additional information on request.