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SB 97

FLOODS/FLOODING: Creates the Coordinated Use of Resources for Recreation, Economy, Navigation, and Transportation Authority. (8/1/25) (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Bass and 7 co-sponsors

Louisiana establishes new CURRENT Authority to coordinate water resource management across recreation, commerce, navigation, and transportation sectors for flood and waterway management.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 418.
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Bill Summary · SB 97

Legislative bill overview

SB 97 establishes the Coordinated Use of Resources for Recreation, Economy, Navigation, and Transportation (CURRENT) Authority in Louisiana, a new state entity tasked with managing resources related to flooding, water management, and potentially waterway use. The bill became law on August 1, 2025, following gubernatorial approval and enrollment in June 2025.

Why is this important

Louisiana faces chronic flooding challenges due to its geography, subsidence, and climate vulnerability, making water resource management a critical infrastructure issue. Creating a dedicated coordinating authority could streamline decision-making across multiple agencies and stakeholders managing recreation, commerce, navigation, and transportation along Louisiana's waterways and flood-prone areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Jurisdictional overlap: The new authority's mandate spans multiple existing agency responsibilities (transportation, navigation, economic development), potentially creating confusion over which entity has decision-making authority and funding control
  • Flood management approach: The bill's specific strategies for flood mitigation are unclear from the title alone; stakeholders may disagree on whether solutions emphasize structural barriers, nature-based approaches, or other methods
  • Funding and budget impact: The "EN INCREASE SD EX" notation suggests state spending increases; questions remain about budget allocation, whether existing funds are consolidated or new appropriations added, and who bears costs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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