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 proposed law 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. This means that during this period, such activities will not require a permit under the existing regulations of the Scenic Rivers Act. The bill aims to balance environmental protection with the need for drainage and flood management in the specified area.

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