Committee advances bill reshaping Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District
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Summary
House Bill 663 would adjust the composition and board membership of the Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District, remove one ex officio position and add an energy‑sector representative; sponsor said the district has secured federal grants and is evolving into an economic development vehicle. The committee adopted amendments and reported the bill favorably.
House Bill 663, presented by Vice Chairman Travis Johnson, would modify the membership of the Board of Commissioners of the Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District to reflect the district’s expanding economic work and to add energy sector representation. The bill carried two sets of amendments: one removed the chair of the Louisiana Public Transit Association as a nonvoting ex officio member and another reduced board membership from 24 to 23 by removing the commissioner of agriculture as a member.
Vice Chairman Johnson told members the district — covering several parishes along the river — began focused on agriculture but has grown into an economic arm that now pursues federal grants across transportation, energy and workforce programs. He said the district has received multiple federal grants and that the governor appoints a member to the board.
Members asked whether the entity remained a pilot. Vice Chairman Johnson said the district was established in law in 2021 and is not merely a pilot; it is audited and subject to compliance reviews. Representative Bridal and others sought clarification on what powers the district exercises and whether transportation expertise is retained; Johnson said LED (the state economic development agency) remains involved and the amendments reflect organizational changes.
Representative Fisher moved to report HB 663 favorably with the amendments; there were no objections and the committee advanced the bill.
