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Bill to direct local revenue to Amite River watershed restoration wins committee backing
Summary
HB 802 would redirect existing, locally sourced revenue in the Amite River Basin to watershed restoration projects aimed at flood risk reduction and lower insurance premiums; the committee adopted a technical amendment to route funds through CPRA and reported the bill favorable as amended.
Representative Sawyer presented HB 802 as a pilot to use existing revenue from the Amite River Basin to support river restoration and flood mitigation in seven parishes including East Baton Rouge and Livingston. He said the bill does not expand government or create a new revenue source, but repurposes revenue to natural restoration projects anticipated to reduce flood risk and insurance premiums.
An amendment was added to appropriate money to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) for distribution to the implementing entity because the entity itself is not a state budget unit; members from the seven parishes sent a letter of support. Representative Coats moved the bill favorable and the committee reported HB 802 favorable as amended.
Why this matters: The measure targets localized flood‑risk reduction through river restoration in a flood‑prone basin and was framed as a demonstration that could be broadened later if successful.
Next step: HB 802 was reported favorable and will continue through the legislative process.
