New Louisiana law targets flood risks in Amite River Basin
- Jun 16
- 1 min read
The Amite River Basin Commission praised Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry’s signing of HB 802 by Representative Paul Sawyer and SB 367 by Senator Rick Edmonds, legislation establishing the Watershed Restoration and Conservation Fund for the Amite River Basin.
The new law creates a dedicated funding mechanism for watershed restoration, reclamation, conservation, and flood-risk reduction efforts in areas impacted by sand mining activity. Under the law, funds will be received by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, which will distribute the funds to the Amite River Basin Commission for eligible projects.
ARBC leaders said the structure creates an important partnership between state coastal and restoration expertise and the regional body charged with addressing flood risk in the Amite River Basin.
The legislation comes during the 10th anniversary year of the Louisiana Floods of 2016, including the historic August 2016 flood that devastated communities throughout the Amite River Basin and the Capital Region. It is the most substantial piece of state legislation addressing the 2016 flood since Act 490 of the 2022 Regular Session reformed the ARBC.
“This is a major step forward for the Amite River Basin,” said ARBC President John Clark, who represents Iberville Parish on the board. “The partnership between CPRA and the ARBC gives us a responsible, accountable pathway to put restoration dollars to work in the places where they can reduce flood risk and improve watershed conditions. We are grateful to Governor Landry, Representative Sawyer, Senator Edmonds,and the Legislature for recognizing that the Capital Region still has serious work to do.”
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