Amite River Basin Commission ratifies contracts, highlights $2 million federal boost for Upper Amite restoration

The Amite River Basin Commission on Jan. 13 ratified contracts to complete due diligence on a planned land acquisition in the Upper Amite River and adopted a resolution recognizing Rep. Julia Letlow for securing $2,000,000 in federal funding for Upper Amite restoration.

Paul Sawyer, ARBC adviser, told commissioners the project’s Phase I environmental assessment and appraisal are complete and that title and survey work remain before closing. ‘‘We’re continuing but winding down the due diligence period,’’ Sawyer said, adding that closure could come soon. The contracts ratified at the meeting cover an appraiser (James Lowe) and an environmental contractor identified in the packet as “Half.”

Sawyer said the $2,000,000 secured by Representative Julia Letlow is significant beyond its dollar value because it will attract the Natural Resources Conservation Service and other funders: "It's going to bring their brand recognition to the table," he said. Combined with capital-outlay allocations and other requests cited by Sawyer, the commission expects roughly $6,000,000 available now and potentially $8,000,000 by June if pending requests are approved.

Legal counsel Larry Bankston told the commission staff are preparing required capital-outlay submissions to the division administration; he emphasized that timely submission is necessary for funding to be released. The commission formally moved to ratify the appraiser and environmental-contractor agreements; Commissioner Harris made the motion and Commissioner Bailey seconded. The motion passed with no opposition.

The commission also considered and adopted Resolution 11-97, commending Rep. Julia Letlow for the federal appropriation. Sawyer read the resolution’s highlights and commissioners voted to approve it (motion by Commissioner Bailey, second by Commissioner Raiford). The resolution notes the ARBC master plan identifies the Upper Amite as a priority because of its outsized influence on downstream flooding and sediment transport.

The commission’s next procedural steps are to complete remaining title and survey work, finalize contract deliverables, and report back at future meetings. President Clark and advisers asked staff to continue coordinating with capital-outlay officials and federal partners to move toward acquisition and restoration work.