The Senate Concurrent Resolution No. by Senator Hodges urges the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to conduct an engineering study of the upper Amite River Basin. This study aims to identify areas capable of detaining or retaining stormwater runoff through various structural systems, particularly in light of the significant flooding experienced in the region during the catastrophic flood of 2016. The resolution emphasizes the importance of improving drainage capabilities in the upper basin to mitigate flooding impacts on the middle and lower Amite River Basin, especially as the area prepares for future rain events.
The resolution outlines specific considerations for the study, including the integration of water supply sources and recreational facilities, the development of managed storage plans, and the evaluation of existing drainage improvements. It also calls for an assessment of the social, economic, and environmental impacts of proposed structures, as well as feasibility studies with cost estimates. The Department of Transportation and Development is expected to utilize existing data to streamline the study process and is required to submit a written report detailing the study's timeline and costs by January 1, 2025.