The bill, introduced by Senator Pressly, amends various sections of Louisiana's Revised Statutes concerning public works, particularly focusing on the Department of Transportation and Development and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. It redefines the authority's responsibilities to emphasize coordinated planning and funding for flood control, flood risk reduction, and watershed management specifically in noncoastal areas. A new board structure for the Coordinated Use of Resources for Recreation, Economy, Navigation, and Transportation Authority is established, consisting of sixteen members appointed by the governor, representing sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and local government.

Significant changes include the replacement of references to the "chief engineer" and "office of engineering" with the "secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development," and the term "upland" is replaced with "noncoastal" to clarify the focus areas for flood management. The authority is tasked with developing a comprehensive master plan for noncoastal areas, approving funding requests for related projects, and coordinating with levee and drainage districts. The bill also emphasizes the importance of public hearings for infrastructure projects in noncoastal areas and repeals a specific section of the law to streamline the authority's functions, ensuring alignment with legislative intent and annual plans.

Statutes affected:
SB171 Engrossed: 38:1(A), 38:20(A), 38:84(A), 38:2351(A), 38:2353(B), 38:2354(A)(1), 38:2355(A)(1), 38:2356(A), 38:2356(A)(2), 38:2359(B), 38:2360(C), 38:2353(D)
SB171 Reengrossed: 38:1(A), 38:20(A), 38:84(A), 38:2351(A), 38:2353(B), 38:2354(A)(1), 38:2355(A)(1), 38:2356(A), 38:2356(A)(2), 38:2359(B), 38:2360(C), 38:2353(D)
SB171 Enrolled: 38:1(A), 38:20(A), 38:84(A), 38:2351(A), 38:2353(B), 38:2354(A)(1), 38:2355(A)(1), 38:2356(A), 38:2356(A)(2), 38:2359(B), 38:2360(C), 38:2353(D)
SB171 Act 358: 38:1(A), 38:20(A), 38:84(A), 38:2351(A), 38:2353(B), 38:2354(A)(1), 38:2355(A)(1), 38:2356(A), 38:2356(A)(2), 38:2359(B), 38:2360(C), 38:2353(D)