Posted on June 20, 2017
By Robert Rhoden, NOLA.com
Gov. John Bel Edwards has signed into law a bill that allows the clearing and dredging of some scenic rivers, including several in St. Tammany Parish, to improve drainage. Edwards this week signed the bill by Sen. Mack “Bodi” White, which amends the Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act and allows local, state or federal governments to do work on the West Pearl, Tchefuncte, Bogue Falaya and Abita rivers in St. Tammany Parish, as well as the Tangipahoa, Comite and Amite rivers and Bayou Manchac.
The law becomes effective June 30, 2018.
Covington Mayor Mike Cooper supported the bill, saying Friday (June 16), “It gives us another option in the future to address clogging of the rivers that may be causing flooding.”
City officials have said much of the major flooding that occurred in the city in March 2016 was the result of clogged waterways that were off-limits because of their ‘Scenic Rivers’ designation. While the city wants authority to clear the rivers, it also wants to protect them, Cooper said.
“It was never our intent to destroy the beauty of our rivers and streams with carte blanche clearing and dredging and such.”
City officials say clogged, “untouchable” waterways partly responsible for recent flooding.
White, a Republican from Baton Rouge, said he authored the bill targeting the Amite, Comite and Bayou Manchac to help improve drainage in the Baton Rouge area. Rivers in St. Tammany were added to the bill at the request of Sen. Sharon Hewitt.
The last major dredging of the Amite and Comite rivers and Bayou Manchac, which are in his Senate district, was in 1956, White said.
“That’s the problem across the state, you can’t clean them or dredge them anymore,” White said of the state’s nearly 60 scenic rivers. “I think everybody realizes it’s a problem.”
The legislation drew objections from some environmentalists who were concerned the measure would open the way for development along scenic waterways.
Covington officials have said they were only seeking authority to remove debris from the rivers, not seeking to dredge or develop areas along the waterways.
Bodi said clearing or dredging projects will require approval of the state and, in some cases, the Army Corps of Engineers as well.
Source: nola
