Senate Bill No. 124, introduced by Senator Owen, amends the Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act by updating the designation of certain rivers and providing specific exceptions for activities in the West Pearl River. The bill modifies the designation of the Tchefuncte River by removing its tributaries and changing its endpoint from the Bogue Falaya River to Lake Pontchartrain. Additionally, it repeals several previously designated water bodies in St. Tammany Parish, including Holmes Bayou and Bayou LaCombe, from the Natural and Scenic Rivers System.

The bill also introduces new provisions that allow for channelization, clearing, snagging, channel realignment, reservoir construction, and dredging operations for drainage purposes in the West Pearl River from Lock 1 to the Rigolets, effective from August 1, 2025, to August 1, 2033. During this period, these activities will not require a permit under the existing regulations. Overall, the bill aims to balance the protection of natural waterways with the need for infrastructure and drainage improvements in specific areas.

Statutes affected:
SB124 Original: 56:1847(3), 56:1847(43)