Purpose/Description:
The authorization enables the Public Works and Water Resources Section to (1) provide for the State's participation, coordination, and local assurance to the United States for federal water development projects, (2) present the State's viewpoint by negotiating feasibility, scope, funding, design, operation and maintenance of projects, (3) coordinate with other state agencies and the federal government, and (4) to ensure that the State and local viewpoints are incorporated in federal program development.

The Section is responsible for presenting the flood control, hurricane protection, navigation, and water resources concerns of the State at various public hearings including the Mississippi River Commission's high and low water inspections.

Increasingly, the Department will act as the non-federal sponsor for flood control, hurricane protection, navigation, and water resources development projects. Funding for construction cost sharing is normally provided by line item in the Capital Outlay Bill. Cost sharing percentages vary with project authorizing legislation. Federal funds for projects in Louisiana typically add up to $400 million annually.

Purpose/Description:
The Public Works and Water Resources Section provides engineering support and advice for local sponsors and financial cost sharing for the development of watershed improvement projects in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Plans, specifications, contract modifications, and pay estimates are reviewed and approved by the Federal Programs Unit.

Normally the projects are cost shared on a 75% Federal, 25% non-Federal (State) basis.

Purpose/Description:
The Department of Transportation and Development is the State Coordinating Agency for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as designated by the Governor. The purpose of the program is to promote local government compliance with NFIP regulations in order to ensure the availability of low-cost flood insurance and in doing so minimize loss of life and property due to catastrophic flooding. This is accomplished through on-site assessments, distribution of a quarterly newsletter, conducting workshops, providing technical assistance on local government ordinance development and participation in post-disaster Flood Hazard Mitigation activities. The program is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordination with the Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness on a 75% Federal and 25% State basis.

Legislative Authorization:
R.S. 38:281-513

Contact Person:
Larry Ardoin, (225) 274-4347

Purpose/Description:
The legislation requires that the Public Works and Water Resources Section (1) provide engineering services to levee districts, (2) attend the meetings of the boards of commissioners, and (3) provide certain approvals related to levees and canals within the levee districts.

Currently there are twenty-four (24) levee districts within the State and one in southeast Arkansas for which engineering support and coordination is provided by the Public Works and Water Resources Section. These services include devising, planning, designing, and providing advice on operation and maintenance of a multitude of levees, canals, and structures constructed with local funds. Coordination of the activities of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the conduct of similar services for such flood control works installed within the levee districts with Federal funds is part of the program's responsibilities. Also, the Federal Projects Unit serves as staff support for the Executive Committee of the Association of Levee Boards of Louisiana. In addition, complete engineering and surveying support for acquisition of the required rights-of-way for such construction, regardless of the source of construction funds, is also provided to the levee districts.