House Bill No. by Representative Wright seeks to empower the Port of New Orleans to pursue public-private partnerships for the development of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor and the Louisiana International Terminal. The bill introduces a new subpart within the Louisiana Revised Statutes that outlines the powers and responsibilities of the board of commissioners overseeing these initiatives. It highlights the significance of the transportation corridor in linking the Louisiana International Terminal to the interstate highway system, which is expected to bolster economic growth and enhance competitiveness in both regional and global markets. The board is granted the authority to enter into agreements with governmental entities and acquire necessary properties for the project.

Furthermore, the bill establishes an operational framework for the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, detailing provisions for toll collection, roadway design, and access control. The board is authorized to set toll rates to cover operational costs and debt service, with the ability to adjust these rates as necessary. It also allows the board to manage the design and construction of the roadway, ensuring compliance with public interest standards. The legislation fosters collaboration between the board and the Department of Transportation and Development, ensuring alignment with state transportation goals. Additionally, the board is granted extensive powers, including the ability to impose tolls, acquire property without competitive bidding, and expropriate land as needed, while maintaining significant autonomy from state taxation and regulation.

Statutes affected:
HB616 Original: