La. Rev. Stat. § 48:281 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 281
Major highway construction and maintenance; notification of elected officials
Status: in_force

A. For purposes of this Section, "major highway construction and maintenance project" shall mean a state highway construction or maintenance project that is expected to interrupt traffic flow on a state highway with average daily traffic in excess of ten thousand vehicles per day and that requires more than forty-eight hours to complete.

B. The department shall develop a policy for notifying sheriffs, parish presidents, fire chiefs, and state legislators a minimum of ten days prior to major highway construction and maintenance projects being performed in their respective areas. Such policy shall include but not be limited to the following provisions:

(1) A description of the project.

(2) The location of the highway construction or maintenance work to be performed.

(3) The starting and completion date of the highway construction or maintenance project.

(4) Information for motorists of an alternate traffic route while highway or maintenance work is being performed.

Acts 2003, No. 103, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:1260 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 1260
Taking of public road for feeder road
Status: in_force

Before taking over any existing public road for maintenance, repair and operation as a feeder road, the authority shall obtain the consent of any officials then exercising jurisdiction over said road, which are hereby authorized to give such consent by resolution. Each feeder road or portion thereof acquired, constructed, or taken over under this Section for maintenance, repair and operation, in connection with a project by the authority shall for all purposes of this Chapter be deemed to constitute a part of the project, except that no toll shall be charged for transit between points on such feeder road.

Acts 1954, No. 232, §10.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:779 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 779
Parcel fees
Status: in_force

A. The district may levy and collect a parcel fee within the boundaries of the district which shall not exceed five hundred dollars per parcel per year. The parcel fee shall be imposed by resolution or ordinance of the board of commissioners of the district only after question of its imposition and its purpose, rate, and duration have been submitted to the qualified electors of the district or subdistrict at an election held for that purpose and conducted in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code and the majority of those voting in each parish comprising the district or subdistrict have voted in favor of the imposition of the parcel fee. The proceeds of such parcel fee shall be expended for road and bridge projects, which shall include a new Mississippi River bridge located within the boundaries of the district, as set forth in the proposition approved by the electors including the payment of any bonds of the district incurred for such purpose. Any parcel fee imposed pursuant to this Section shall be levied and collected and be due and owing annually. The fee may be carried on the tax rolls and collected at the same time as parish or municipal ad valorem taxes.

B.(1) If any parcel fee is not paid when due, the district shall proceed against the parcel for the collection of the amount of the fee unpaid and delinquent, any collection costs incurred by the district, plus interest at a rate not exceeding twelve percent on the unpaid amount of the parcel fee, and, in the event legal proceedings are necessary to effect collection, court costs and reasonable attorney fees. However, attorney fees shall be payable by the parcel owner only if demand by the district has been made on the parcel owner by registered or certified mail, and such parcel owner has failed to pay the amount due within ten days after such demand.

(2) A judgment obtained for nonpayment of a parcel fee, upon being recorded in the mortgage records of the parish, shall prime all other liens except those for taxes and prior recorded local or special assessments. If there are one or more property mortgages on such parcel, the district, prior to proceeding against such parcel for failure to pay a parcel fee, shall give notice to each mortgagee of the amount of the parcel fee due and owing on such parcel and that such parcel fee must be paid within twenty days after the mailing of the notice or proceedings will be commenced against the parcel. The notice shall be sent to each such mortgage holder by certified mail, return receipt requested, or be made by personal or domiciliary service on such mortgage holder. The district shall not commence such proceedings until at least twenty days after the certified mail return receipt for the notice is signed by the mortgagee.

(3) Alternatively, the lien authorized by this Section may be enforced by assessing the amount of the lien against the parcel as a tax against the property. The lien may be collected in the manner fixed for collection of taxes and shall be subject to the same civil penalties for delinquencies. After the district has incurred such costs and expenses as together with any amount of the parcel fee which remains unpaid and delinquent constitute the lien on the property, including any costs of court, attorney fees and interest, the governing authority may send an attested bill of such unpaid amount, costs, and expenses to the tax collector for the parish who shall add the amount of such bill to the next tax bill of the property owner. The lien shall prime all other liens or privileges against the property, except other tax liens, filed after the statement specified in this Section is filed with the recorder of mortgages, regardless of the date on which the lien is perfected.

Acts 2018, No. 488, §1, eff. May 25, 2018.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:250.4.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 250.4.3
Use of toll revenue and credits; I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge public-private partnership
Status: in_force

A. The Department of Transportation and Development shall use any revenue or credits generated in connection with the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge public-private partnership, including windfall proceeds payments, distributions of toll revenue, and toll credits only as follows:

(1) To reduce toll rates on the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge, including the reduction or elimination of any scheduled toll rate increase.

(2) To shorten the term of the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge public-private partnership.

(3) To construct other eligible capital improvement projects within Allen Parish, Beauregard Parish, Calcasieu Parish, Cameron Parish, or Jefferson Davis Parish.

B. Any use of funds or credits generated in connection with the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge public-private partnership shall conform to the provisions of the comprehensive agreement governing the partnership and all applicable laws.

C. Prior to using any revenue or credits generated in connection with the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge public-private partnership, the secretary shall provide notice of the intended use and consult with the legislative delegations from Allen Parish, Beauregard Parish, Calcasieu Parish, Cameron Parish, and Jefferson Davis Parish before seeking approval for the use of funds from the Joint Legislative Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.

Acts 2024, No. 106, §1, eff. May 21, 2024.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:461 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 461
Declaration of policy
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds and declares that outdoor advertising and maintenance of junkyards are legitimate commercial uses of private property and, for the purpose of promoting the public safety, health, welfare, convenience and enjoyment of public travel, to protect the public investment in public highways, and to preserve and enhance the scenic beauty of lands bordering public highways, it is hereby declared to be in the public interest to regulate and restrict the erection and maintenance of outdoor advertising and the establishment, operation and maintenance of junkyards in areas adjacent to the Interstate and Primary Highway Systems within this State.

Added by Acts 1966, No. 474, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:461.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 461.2
Limitations of outdoor advertising devices
Status: in_force

A. No outdoor advertising shall be erected or maintained within six hundred sixty feet of the nearest edge of the right of way and visible from the main traveled way of the interstate or primary highways in this state except the following, provided all exceptions listed below shall be in conformity with applicable federal rules and standards.

(1) Directional and other official signs and notices, which shall include but not be limited to signs and notices pertaining to natural wonders, or scenic and historic attractions, as authorized or required by law.

(2) Signs, displays and devices advertising activities conducted on the property upon which they are located.

(3) Signs, displays and devices advertising the sale or lease of property upon which they are located.

(4) Signs, displays and devices located in areas which are zoned industrial or commercial under authority of law.

(5) Signs, displays and devices in unzoned commercial or industrial areas which areas shall be determined from actual land uses and defined by regulations to be promulgated by the department.

(6) Signs which are erected and maintained by churches and schools, which do not in any way obstruct vision or endanger traffic.

(7) Signs which are erected and maintained by individuals which advertise the sale of seasonal agricultural products. Such signs shall be for the sale of agricultural products grown by the individual who erects and maintains the signs and the products shall be offered for sale at the location where they are grown. Such signs shall be exempt from the prohibition contained in this Subsection only for the period of time during which the agricultural product is "in season" and shall be removed each year after the season. The department shall promulgate regulations to set standards for such signs to ensure that they are temporary and pose no danger to passing traffic.

B. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, when the right of way along a state rural arterial route and its urban extensions exceeds one hundred and fifty feet per side or three hundred feet total, any business adjacent to the right of way may enter into an agreement with the department to erect outdoor advertising, provided that such advertising is consistent with regulations set forth in R.S. 48:461.4.

Acts 1990, No. 1078, §1; Acts 1993, No. 467, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:251.5 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 251.5
Payments under contract
Status: in_force

A. The department shall promptly pay all obligations arising under public contracts within thirty days of the date the obligations become due and payable under the contract. All progressive stage payments and final payments shall be paid when they, respectively, become due and payable under the contract.

B.(1) If the department fails to make any final payments after recordation of formal final acceptance and within forty-five days following receipt of a clear lien certificate by the department, the retainage or other payments known by the department to be due and payable shall be released, but the contractor and the contractor's surety shall remain liable for any overpayment by the department to the contractor, stipulated damages for delay in a completion or work necessary to repair latent defects, or in performance of warranty work under the contract.

(2) If the department fails to make any final payment within one hundred days after its receipt of the clear lien certificate, the department shall be liable for legal interest on the balance due on the contract.

(3) If the department fails to make final payment as provided or neglects to promptly ascertain the final estimated quantities under the contract in bad faith, then the contractor shall be entitled to attorney fees if a mandamus to perform such acts is necessary for the contractor to receive all monies due and owed the contractor under the contract.

C. The provisions of this Section shall not be subject to waiver by contract.

Acts 1997, No. 1112, §1, eff. July 14, 1997; Acts 2015, No. 29, §1, eff. May 29, 2015.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:2185 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 2185
Local option
Status: in_force

The provisions of R.S. 48:2184 shall not apply to any municipality or parish unless the qualified electors of the municipality or parish vote in favor of the application of this Chapter to the municipality or parish.

Acts 2010, No. 838, §2, eff. July 1, 2010; Acts 2010, No. 858, §1, eff. June 30, 2010.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:2154 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 2154
Central Louisiana Regional Infrastructure Beltway Commission; creation; board of directors; meetings; quorum
Status: in_force

A. The Central Louisiana Regional Infrastructure Beltway Commission, hereafter referred to as the "commission", is hereby created possessing full corporate powers to promote, plan, finance, develop, construct, control, regulate, operate, and maintain a transportation and utility corridor for the growth of residential, commercial, and industrial developments serving the urban and rural areas of Rapides and south Grant parishes within its jurisdiction.

B. The domicile of the commission shall be Rapides Parish.

C.(1) The board shall be composed of fifteen directors who shall be the governing body of the commission, with full power to promulgate rules and regulations for the maintenance and operation of the commission as follows:

(a) The mayor from each of the following municipalities: Alexandria, Pineville, Woodworth, Ball, and Boyce, or their designee.

(b) The chancellor of Louisiana State University at Alexandria or his designee.

(c) The chancellor of Louisiana College or his designee.

(d) The executive director of the England Authority or his designee.

(e) The president of the city council of Alexandria or his designee.

(f) The president of the Rapides Parish Police Jury or his designee.

(g) The highway district engineer administrator of Highway District Number 8 of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development or his designee.

(h) One member appointed by the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce.

(i) The president of the Grant Parish Police Jury or his designee.

(j) The president of the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury or his designee.

(k) The executive director of the Central Louisiana Regional Port or his designee.

(2) The directors shall elect the chairman and vice chairman from among themselves and shall elect any other officers they deem necessary.

D. The directors shall take and subscribe to the oath of office required of public officials. Appointed directors shall serve until their successors are appointed and sworn into office. Directors may be removed from office for cause by a district court having jurisdiction.

E. A majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of official business. All official actions of the commission shall require an affirmative vote of the directors present and voting at any meeting.

F. Directors of the commission shall not receive any salary for the performance of their duties as directors. Appointed directors may be reimbursed for mileage expenses incurred for attendance at meetings of the commission, subject to the availability of funds. The mileage allowance shall be fixed by the commission in an amount not to exceed the mileage allowance authorized under state travel regulations at rates and standards as promulgated by the division of administration.

G. The commission shall meet at least quarterly and may meet more frequently upon call of the chairman.

H. The boundary and jurisdiction of the commission shall be coextensive with the boundaries of Grant and Rapides Parishes.

I. The commission created pursuant to this Chapter and all directors thereof shall be subject to the provisions of R.S. 42:1101 et seq.

J. The commission may perform, procure from the Department of Transportation and Development with the consent of its secretary, or procure from outside service providers any service or portion of services necessary to fulfill the duties and obligations of the commission.

Acts 2009, No. 518, §1, eff. July 10, 2009; Acts 2016, No. 287, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:102 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 102
Functions of commission
Status: in_force

The commission shall be an affiliate of the National Commission and shall cooperate with and assist it in promoting interest in and the development of the Great River Road as designated by the federal authorities and shall serve in an advisory capacity to the department. The chairman of the commission shall be the Louisiana representative on the National Commission.

Added by Acts 1980, No. 760, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:2084.12 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 2084.12
Public-private partnership projects; dedication of assets
Status: in_force

The authority shall terminate the private entity's authority and duties under this Chapter on the date set forth in the comprehensive agreement. Upon termination, the authority and duties of the private entity under this Chapter shall cease, and the qualifying transportation facility shall be dedicated to the responsible public entity or, if the qualifying transportation facility is dedicated by an affected local jurisdiction, to such affected local jurisdiction for public use.

Acts 2006, No. 304, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:273 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 273
Placing of distance markers on highways
Status: in_force

Distance markers, which designate the distances from the point of the marker to the municipality indicated on the marker, shall be placed alongside the highways of this state by the department for incorporated and unincorporated municipalities having a population of five thousand or more persons. The department may place distance markers for incorporated and unincorporated municipalities having a population of less than five thousand persons. The distance markers are to be placed in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Department of Transportation and Development.

Added by Acts 1976, No. 276, §1. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 291, §1; Acts 2006, No. 11, §5.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:2075 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 2075
Right of public agencies to material
Status: in_force

The authority created pursuant to this Chapter shall be subject to and fully comply with the public records law, R.S. 44:1 et seq., and the open meetings law, R.S. 42:11 et seq., of the state. The proceedings and documents of the authority shall be public record. All reports, maps, or other technical documents produced in whole or in part by the authority may be utilized by the department or any other public agency in any manner that it deems necessary and advisable in the conduct of its duties.

Acts 2001, No. 1209, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:12 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 12
Domicile
Status: in_force

The domicile of the department is in the city of Baton Rouge, parish of East Baton Rouge. Service of citation and other process directed to the department shall be made by handing the citation or other process to the secretary or to the undersecretary.

Amended by Acts 1977, No. 291, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:1002 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 1002
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ferry; closure; authorization for transfer or compensation to residents
Status: in_force

A. Effective July 1, 2008, no state funds shall be appropriated for operation and maintenance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ferry serving Monkey Island in Cameron Parish.

B.(1) The state, through the Department of Transportation and Development, hereinafter the "department", is authorized to transfer, donate, assign, and deliver title to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ferry, without compensation, to the Cameron Parish governing authority. The secretary of the department may execute such documents necessary to properly effectuate such transaction, regardless of monetary consideration.

(2) Prior to any transfer of the ferry, the department and the Cameron Parish governing authority shall agree in writing that such transfer is conditioned upon agreement by the Cameron Parish governing authority to assume ownership and all maintenance and operational expenses of the ferry, and to continue to operate the ferry for the benefit of the residents of Monkey Island, Cameron Parish, and the state, for the lesser of three years or until such time as a bridge or alternate means of transportation across the old Calcasieu River channel is built and operational.

C. If, as of December 30, 2000, a transfer of the ferry has not occurred, then the state, through the department, may offer residents of Monkey Island adequate and just compensation for their land.

Acts 1999, No. 1075, §1; Acts 2001, No. 414, §1; Acts 2003, No. 469, §1; Acts 2004, No. 13, §1; Acts 2004, No. 597, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:865 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 865
Negotiability of bonds
Status: in_force

All bridge revenue bonds issued under the provisions of this Sub-part have all the qualities and incidents of negotiable instruments under the Negotiable Instruments Law.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:460 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 460
Divesting of title
Status: in_force

The plaintiff shall not be divested by court order of any title acquired under these provisions except where such court finds that the property was not taken for a public purpose. In the event of such findings, the court shall enter such judgment as is necessary to compensate the defendant for the period during which the property was in the possession of the plaintiff and to recover for the plaintiff any award paid.

Added by Acts 1954, No. 107, §1, eff. June 24, 1954. Amended by Acts 1974, Ex.Sess., No. 30, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1975.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:2082 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 2082
Bonds
Status: in_force

A. Without reference to any provision of the Constitution of Louisiana and the laws of Louisiana, and as a grant of power in addition to any other general or special law, the authority created pursuant to this Chapter may issue bonds for any authority purpose and pledge revenues for the payment of the principal and interest of such bonds. The authority is further authorized, in its discretion, to pledge all or any part of any gift, grant, donation, or other sum of money, aid, or assistance from the United States, the state, or any political subdivision thereof, unless otherwise restricted by the terms thereof, all or any part of the proceeds of bonds, credit agreements, instruments, or any other money of the authority, from whatever source derived, for the further securing of the payment of the principal and interest of the bonds. Any bonds issued pursuant to the provisions hereof shall constitute revenue bonds under Article VII, Section 6 of the Louisiana Constitution and such bonds shall be payable solely from revenues and bond proceeds, pending their disbursement, and investment income thereon.

B.(1) Without reference to any provision of the Constitution of Louisiana and the laws of Louisiana, and as a grant of power in addition to any other general or special law and in addition to the grant of power set forth in Subsection A, the authority created pursuant to this Chapter may issue bonds for the I-49 Project and pledge unclaimed property revenues for the payment of the principal and interest of such bonds and may further pledge monies deposited or to be deposited into the Unclaimed Property Leverage Fund, which pledge shall be subject to appropriation by the legislature. The authority is further authorized, in its discretion, to pledge all or any part of any gift, grant, donation, or other sum of money, aid, or assistance from the United States, the state, or any political subdivision thereof, unless otherwise restricted by the terms thereof, all or any part of the proceeds of bonds, credit agreements, instruments, or other money of the authority, from whatever source derived, for the further securing of the payment of the principal and interest of the bonds. Any such bonds shall be payable solely from revenues and bond proceeds, pending their disbursement, and investment income thereon.

(2) The unclaimed property receipts received from the state treasurer each fiscal year shall be applied to pay or provide for the payment of debt service on unclaimed property bonds issued by the authority.

(3) The resolution or resolutions under which unclaimed property fund bonds are authorized to be issued may contain any or all of the following:

(a) Provisions respecting custody of the proceeds from the sale of the unclaimed property fund bonds, including any requirements that such proceeds be held separate from or not be commingled with other funds of the state.

(b) Provisions for the investment and reinvestment of unclaimed property fund bond proceeds until used to pay the costs of financing such unclaimed property bonds and for the disposition of any excess bond proceeds or investment earnings thereon.

(c) Provisions for the execution of reimbursement agreements or similar agreements in connection with credit facilities, including but not limited to letters of credit or policies of bond insurance, remarketing agreements and agreements, for the purpose of moderating interest rate fluctuations.

(d) Provisions for the collection, custody, investment, reinvestment, and use of the pledged revenues or other receipts, funds, or monies pledged therefor and deposited in the Unclaimed Property Leverage Fund.

(e) Provisions regarding the establishment and maintenance of reserves, sinking funds, and any other funds, and accounts as shall be approved by the authority in such amounts as may be established by the authority, and the regulation and disposition thereof, including requirements that any such funds and accounts be held separate from or not be commingled with other funds.

(f) Covenants for the establishment of pledged revenue coverage requirements for the unclaimed property fund bonds.

(g) Provisions for the issuance of additional unclaimed property fund bonds on a parity with unclaimed property fund bonds theretofore issued, including establishment of coverage requirements with respect thereto.

(h) Provisions or covenants of like or different character from the foregoing which are determined in such proceedings are necessary, convenient, or desirable in order to better secure the unclaimed property fund bonds, or will tend to make the unclaimed property fund bonds more marketable, and which are in the best interests of the authority.

C. Bonds issued under the provisions of this Chapter shall not be deemed to constitute a pledge of the full faith and credit of the state or of any governmental unit thereof. All such bonds shall contain a statement on their face substantially to the effect that neither the full faith and credit of the state nor the full faith and credit of any public entity of the state are pledged to the payment of the principal of or the interest on such bonds. The issuance of bonds under the provisions of this Chapter shall not directly, indirectly, or contingently obligate the state or any governmental unit of the state to levy any taxes whatever therefor or to make any appropriation for their payment, other than obligations to make payments by the state or any public entity to the authority arising out of contracts authorized under this Chapter.

D. Bonds shall be authorized by a resolution of the authority and shall be of such series, bear such date or dates, mature at such time or times, bear interest at such rate or rates, including but not limited to fixed, variable, or zero rates, be payable at such time or times, be in such denominations, be in such form, carry such registration and exchangeability privilege, be payable in such medium of payment and at such place or places, be subject to such terms of redemption prior to maturity at such price or prices as determined by the authority, and be entitled to such priority on the revenues as such resolution or resolutions may provide.

E. Bonds shall be sold by the authority at public sale by competitive bid or negotiated private sale and at such price as the authority may determine to be in the best interest of the authority.

F. The issuance of bonds shall not be subject to any limitations, requirements, or conditions contained in any other law, and bonds may be issued without obtaining the consent of the state or any political subdivision, or of any agency, commission, or instrumentality thereof, except that the issuance of such bonds shall be subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission. The bonds shall be issued in compliance with the provisions of this Chapter.

G. For a period of thirty days after the date of publication of a notice of intent to issue bonds in the official journal of the authority authorizing the issuance of bonds hereunder, any person in interest shall have the right to contest the legality of the resolution and the legality of the bond issue for any cause, but after that time no one shall have any cause or right of action to contest the legality of the resolution or of the bonds or the security therefor for any cause whatsoever. If no suit, action, or proceeding is begun contesting the validity of the resolution, the bonds or the security therefor within the thirty days herein prescribed, the authority to issue the bonds and to provide for the payment thereof, the legality thereof, and of all of the provisions of the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds shall be conclusively presumed to be legal and shall be incontestable. Any notice of intent so published shall set forth in reasonable detail the purpose of the bonds, the security therefor, and the parameters of amount, duration, and interest rates. The authority may designate any paper of general circulation in its geographical jurisdiction to publish the notice of intent or may utilize electronic media available to the general public. Any suit to determine the validity of bonds issued by the authority shall be brought only in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 13:5121 et seq.

H. All bonds issued pursuant to this Chapter shall have all the qualities of negotiable instruments under the commercial laws of the state.

I. Any pledge of revenues or other monies made by the authority shall be valid and binding from the time when the pledge is made. The revenues or monies so pledged and thereafter received by the authority shall immediately be subject to the lien of such pledge without any physical delivery thereof or further act, and the lien of any such pledge shall be valid and binding as against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract, or otherwise against the authority irrespective of whether such parties have notice thereof.

J. Neither the members of the authority nor any person executing the bonds shall be liable personally for the bonds or be subject to any personal liability or accountability by reason of the issuance thereof.

K. Bonds of the authority, their transfer, and the income therefrom shall at all times be exempt from all taxation by the state or any political subdivision thereof, and may or may not be exempt for federal income tax purposes. The bonds issued pursuant to this Chapter shall be and are hereby declared to be legal and authorized investments for banks, savings banks, trust companies, building and loan associations, insurance companies, fiduciaries, trustees, and guardians. Such bonds shall be eligible to secure the deposit of any and all public funds of the state and any and all public funds of municipalities, parishes, school districts, or other political corporations or subdivisions of the state. Such bonds shall be lawful and sufficient security for said deposits to the extent of their value. When any bonds shall have been issued pursuant to Subsection A of this Section, neither the legislature, the authority, nor any other authority may discontinue or decrease the revenues pledged to the payment of the bonds authorized hereunder or permit to be discontinued or decreased said revenues in anticipation of the collection of which such bonds have been issued, or in any way make any change in the allocation and dedication of the revenues which would diminish the amount of the revenues to be received by the authority, until all of such bonds shall have been retired as to principal and interest, and there is hereby vested in the holders from time to time of such bonds a contract right in the provisions of this Section.

L. The authority may provide by resolution for the issuance of refunding bonds pursuant to R.S. 39:1444 et seq.

M. The holders of any bonds issued hereunder shall have such rights and remedies as may be provided in the resolution or trust agreement authorizing the issuance of the bonds, including but not by way of limitation, appointment of a trustee for the bondholders and any other available civil action to compel compliance with the terms and provisions of the bonds and the resolution or trust agreement.

N. Subject to the agreements with the holders of bonds, all proceeds of bonds and all revenues pledged under a resolution or trust agreement authorizing or securing such bonds shall be deposited and held in trust in a fund or funds separate and apart from all other funds of the state. Subject to the resolution or trust agreement, the trustee shall hold the same for the benefit of the holders of the bonds for the application and disposition thereof solely to the respective uses and purposes provided in such resolution or trust agreement.

O. The authority created hereunder is authorized to employ all professionals it deems necessary in the issuance of its bonds.

P. The authority created hereunder shall be deemed to be a public entity for purposes of Chapters 13, 13-A, 14, 14-A, 14-B, and 15-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, which statutes shall apply to bonds of the authority, provided that in the event of a conflict with the provisions of this Chapter, the provisions of this Chapter shall control.

Acts 2001, No. 1209, §2; Acts 2005, No. 256, §2, eff. June 29, 2005.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:256.11 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 256.11
Attorney fees
Status: in_force

A. After amicable demand for payment has been made on the principal and surety and thirty days have elapsed without payment being made, any claimant recovering the full amount of his timely and properly recorded or sworn claim in a concursus proceeding pursuant to this Subpart shall be allowed reasonable attorney fees which shall be taxed in the judgment on the amount recovered.

B. If the trial court finds that such an action was brought by any claimant without just cause or in bad faith, the trial judge shall award the principal or surety a reasonable amount as attorney fees for defending such action.

Acts 1997, No. 1112, §1, eff. July 14, 1997.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:223 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 223
Drainage for highways
Status: in_force

A. The department may construct canals, ditches, or drains sufficient in its judgment to properly drain any highway embraced in the system of state highways constructed or to be constructed through any lands of private persons. The rights of way for these canals may be acquired in the same manner and on the same basis of compensation as provided for acquiring rights of way for highways.

B. Except as provided in Subsection F herein, no highways shall be occupied by drainage canals or ditches except those drainage canals and ditches excavated, operated, and maintained by the department for the purpose of draining the highway. The department may prohibit and prevent the connection of any drainage canal or ditch or any other system of drainage canals or ditches with the canals or ditches on a highway.

C. The agents and employees of the department, under the direction of the chief engineer, may enter and clean or improve by widening and deepening, if necessary in the opinion of the chief engineer, such natural and public drainage channels, ditches, or canals that are adjacent to and form part of the drainage system of any state highway.

D. The blocking or impeding of any drainage ditch on, along, or across a highway, or the blocking or impeding of any natural drainage crossed, by any means is prohibited.

E. When any drainage area discharges naturally across a highway through a bridge, culvert, or other device, the department may prohibit and prevent any action which, by discharging into such a drainage area additional water not naturally falling within that area, or which, by increasing the run-off in the channel or channels across the highway, will jeopardize the safety and integrity of the structures across the highway.

F.(1) The Department of Transportation and Development is hereby authorized to issue a permit to a local governing authority for construction of a drainage project located within the highway right-of-way. Such permit may be issued if it is the opinion of the department that the drainage project is consistent with the purposes of the highway, the right-of-way of that highway, and will in no way have a negative impact on either the highway or the right-of-way of that highway.

(2) Maintenance of any drainage project constructed under the provisions of this Subsection shall be the responsibility of the local governing authority which constructed the project and shall not be the responsibility of the department.

(3) The department shall promulgate rules for the issuance of such permits and shall submit such rules for review by the House and Senate Committees on Transportation, Highways and Public Works under the Administrative Procedure Act.

G. Upon request of the department, the state police shall issue a citation to any person who is in violation of this Section. Every person who is convicted of a violation of this Section shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.

Amended by Acts 1977, No. 291, §1; Acts 1997, No. 242, §1, eff. June 17, 1997; Acts 2006, No. 11, §5; Acts 2010, No. 233, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:461.26 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 461.26
Designation of state parkways; outdoor advertising prohibited; screening required; exceptions
Status: in_force

A.(1) Interstate Highway 49 is hereby designated as a parkway.

(2) U.S. Highway 90 from the St. Mary - Assumption Parish line to the junction of U.S. Highway 90 and State Highway 1 near Raceland is hereby designated as a parkway.

(3) Louisiana Highway 3025, known as Ambassador Caffery Parkway, from Verot School Road to U.S. 90 in Lafayette Parish is hereby designated as a parkway.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 48:461.2 or any other law to the contrary, no off-premise outdoor advertising shall be erected or maintained within visual observation of the main-traveled way of any parkway designated in Subsection A of this Section except as authorized herein. Off-premise outdoor advertising may be erected within five thousand feet of the intersection of the parkway and a local, state, or federal designated highway, measured along the parkway from the nearest edge of the intersecting highway, if the appropriate local governing authority of the area allows such advertising by ordinance, and the site of the outdoor advertising is zoned commercial or industrial under comprehensive zoning of the local governing authority or is within eight hundred feet of an actual commercial or industrial activity as defined by the department. The measurement for placement of off-premise outdoor advertising signs shall be made separately for each side of the parkway. The provisions of this Subsection shall be inapplicable with respect to any off-premise outdoor advertising sign built or lawfully permitted prior to July 1, 2004.

C.(1) No person shall establish, operate, or maintain any nonagricultural, commercial, or industrial activity within five hundred feet of the parkway right-of-way without approved screening by natural objects, plantings, fences, or other appropriate means approved by the Department of Transportation and Development so that such activity is not visible from the main-traveled way. However, the requirements of this Subsection shall not apply to properties located within the boundaries of a municipality or within five thousand feet of the intersection of the parkway and a state or federal designated highway, measured along the parkway from the beginning or ending of pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to the main-traveled way on the same side of the parkway.

(2) "Approved screening" for purposes of this Section means screening as provided for in Paragraph C(1) of this Section which is established, constructed, and maintained by an individual, business, or other entity according to a plan submitted to and approved by the Department of Transportation and Development. The procedure for submission of the plan and the standards by which the department will decide whether a screening plan meets the requirements of Paragraph C(1) of this Section shall be set forth in rules and regulations promulgated by the department pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act. An appeal from a decision of the department shall be in accordance with the provisions of that Act.

D. None of the requirements of Subsection B of this Section, either in whole or in part, shall be interpreted as a waiver of any other local, state, or federal ordinance, statute, or regulation pertaining to outdoor advertising on interstate highways in Louisiana.

E.(1) The provisions of this Section relative to Paragraph (A)(1) shall be inapplicable with respect to any advertising or commercial or industrial activity which has been lawfully established prior to July 13, 1992.

(2) The provisions of this Section relative to Paragraph (A)(2) shall be inapplicable with respect to any advertising or commercial or industrial activity which has been lawfully established prior to December 7, 1999. If any advertising or commercial or industrial activity which has been lawfully established prior to December 7, 1999, is interrupted by act of god, or negligent or intentional act of a third party, such activity may be restored and continued under the terms of the prior existing permit without the need of applying for a new permit with respect to such restoration and continuance.

(3) The provisions of Subsection B of this Section shall not apply to any advertising on property owned by an institution of postsecondary education as defined by R.S. 17:3092, an institution of higher education, or a foundation affiliated with the institution. Such advertisements shall be limited to the promotion of the educational and cultural welfare of the institution.

Acts 1992, No. 1054, §1, eff. July 13, 1992; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 61, §1; Acts 2003, No. 87, §1; Acts 2004, No. 837, §1, eff. July 1, 2004; Acts 2022, No. 405, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:211 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 211
Accounting system
Status: in_force

The department shall adopt and use a modern system of accounting, auditing, and cost keeping in accordance with the best practices. The recommendation of the United States Department of Transportation and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials for uniform accounting practices for transportation departments shall be given full consideration in the method of accounting adopted for the department.

Amended by Acts 1977, No. 291, §1; Acts 2006, No. 11, §5.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:2093 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 2093
Definitions
Status: in_force

Unless the text clearly indicates otherwise, the following words or phrases shall have the following meanings:

(1) "Act" means the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission Act.

(2) "Board" means the board of directors of the commission.

(3) "Bonds" means any bonds, notes, renewal notes, refunding bonds, interim certificates, certificates of indebtedness, debentures, warrants, commercial paper, or other obligations or any other evidence of indebtedness or evidence of borrowed money issued or entered into by the commission to finance projects.

(4) "Commission" means the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission created by this Chapter.

(5) "Department" means the Department of Transportation and Development.

(6) "Federal government" means the United States of America and any agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States of America.

(7) "Person" means any individual, partnership, firm, corporation, company, cooperative, association, society, trust, or any other business unit or entity, including any state or federal agency.

(8) "Project" means any capital project undertaken pursuant to this Chapter including the acquisition of real property, construction, reconstruction, improvement, extension, installation, development, landscaping, or operation of a tollway.

(9) "Project costs" means all costs associated with and necessary to plan, design, acquire property rights, and to construct a project, construction costs, and such other expenses as may be necessary or incidental to the construction, financing, and operation of the project.

(10) "Public utility facilities" means tracks, pipes, mains, conduits, cables, wires, towers, poles, and other equipment and appliances which are either publicly or privately owned.

(11) "Real property" means lands, waters, rights in lands or waters, structures, franchises, and interests in land, including lands under water, riparian rights, property rights in air space or subsurface, and any and all other things and rights usually included within said term, including any and all interests in such property less than full title.

(12) "Revenue" means:

(a) Any income, revenue, toll, and receipt derived or to be derived from the construction and operation of projects by the commission or received by the commission from any other sources whatsoever.

(b) Monies generated by way of contract, pledge, donation, or bequest.

(13) "Secretary" means the secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development.

(14) "State" means the state of Louisiana or any agency or instrumentality thereof.

(15) "Toll" means any fee or charge for the use of a tollway.

(16) "Tollway" means any limited access highway, bridge, or other transportation facility constructed or operated by the commission.

Acts 2003, No. 893, §1, eff. July 1, 2003.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:196.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 196.1
Bonds
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, and as a grant of power in addition to any other general or special law, the State Bond Commission, hereinafter referred to as the "commission", on behalf of the Department of Transportation and Development, hereinafter referred to as the "department", may issue bonds, notes, certificates, or other evidences of indebtedness, hereinafter collectively referred to as the "bonds", for the purpose of funding projects for any road which is part of the state highway system but not part of the federal system and, thus, is ineligible for federal highway funding assistance which are included in the priority listing for the fiscal year pursuant to the highway priority program provided for in R.S. 48:228 through 233, and may pledge registration and license fees and taxes on trucks and trailers collected by the state pursuant to R.S. 47:462 for the payment of the principal and interest of such bonds. The commission is further authorized, in its discretion, to pledge all or any part of any gift, grant, donation, or other sum of money, aid, or assistance from the United States, the state, or any political subdivision thereof, unless otherwise restricted by the terms thereof, all or any part of the proceeds of bonds, credit agreements, instruments, or any other money of the commission, from whatever source derived, for the further securing of the payment of the principal and interest of the bonds. Any bonds issued pursuant to the provisions hereof shall constitute revenue bonds under Article VII, Section 6 of the Constitution of Louisiana, and such bonds shall be payable solely from an irrevocable pledge and dedication of the registration and license fees and taxes collected by the state on trucks and trailers pursuant to R.S. 47:462, or other fees, rates, rentals, charges, grants, or other receipts or income derived by or in connection with an undertaking, facility, project, or any combination thereof, without a pledge of the full faith and credit of the state, hereinafter referred to as "revenues".

B. In accordance with the provisions of Article VII, Section 9(A)(6) of the Constitution of Louisiana, there is hereby established a special fund for the purpose of providing for the securitization of any bonds which may be issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section which shall include requirements for reserves and credit enhancement devices, all as may be provided in any resolution, trust agreement, indenture, or other instrument pursuant to which such bonds were issued. The fund shall be administered by a trustee as designated by the State Bond Commission. The source of monies for the fund shall be the registration and license fees and taxes on trucks and trailers collected by the state pursuant to R.S. 47:462, and as provided in R.S. 47:481. All revenues received from such registration license fees and taxes as are necessary to provide for all requirements associated with the bonds as provided in this Section shall be classified and set aside in a separately identifiable fund or account outside of the state treasury but maintained by the state treasury and such revenues shall be assigned and pledged to the trustee under the documents pursuant to which the bonds were issued for the benefit of the holders of the bonds. Only after satisfaction of all requirements of this Section shall any monies received by the state from the registration and license fees and taxes on trucks and trailers pursuant to R.S. 47:462 and 481 be available for any other purposes, and specifically for the purposes provided for in R.S. 48:196.

C. Bonds issued under the provisions of this Section shall not be deemed to constitute a pledge of the full faith and credit of the state or of any governmental unit thereof. All such bonds shall contain a statement on their face substantially to the effect that neither the full faith and credit of the state nor the full faith and credit of any public entity of the state are pledged to the payment of the principal of or the interest on such bonds. The issuance of bonds under the provisions of this Section shall not directly, indirectly, or contingently obligate the state or any governmental unit of the state to levy any taxes whatsoever therefor or to make any appropriation for their payment.

D. Bonds shall be authorized by a resolution of the commission and shall be of such series, bear such date or dates, mature at such time or times, bear interest at such rate or rates, including but not limited to fixed, variable, or zero rates, be payable at such time or times, be in such denominations, be in such form, carry such registration and exchangeability privilege, be payable in such medium of payment and at such place or places, be subject to such terms of redemption prior to maturity at such price or prices as determined by the commission, and be entitled to such priority on the revenues as such resolution or resolutions may provide.

E. Bonds shall be sold by the commission at public sale by competitive bid or negotiated private sale and at such price as the commission may determine to be in the best interest of the commission and the state.

F. Except for the provisions of R.S. 39:1367, the issuance of the bonds shall not be subject to any limitations, requirements, or conditions contained in any other law, and bonds may be issued without obtaining the consent of any political subdivision of the state or of any agency, commission, or instrumentality of the state. The bonds shall be issued in compliance with the provisions of this Section.

G. For a period of thirty days after the date of publication of a notice of intent to issue bonds in the official journal of the commission authorizing the issuance of bonds hereunder, any person in interest shall have the right to contest the legality of the resolution and the legality of the bond issue for any cause, but after that time no one shall have any cause or right of action to contest the legality of the resolution or of the bonds or the security therefor for any cause whatsoever. If no suit, action, or proceeding is begun contesting the validity of the resolution, the bonds or the security therefor within the thirty days herein prescribed, the authority to issue the bonds and to provide for the payment thereof, the legality thereof, and all of the provisions of the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds shall be conclusively presumed to be legal and shall be incontestable. Any notice of intent so published shall set forth in reasonable detail the purpose of the bonds, the security therefor, and the parameters of amount, duration, and interest rates. Any suit to determine the validity of bonds issued by the commission shall be brought only in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 13:5121 et seq.

H. All bonds issued pursuant to this Section shall have all the qualities of negotiable instruments under the commercial laws of the state.

I. Any pledge of the revenues or other monies made by the commission shall be valid and binding from the time when the pledge is made. The revenues or monies so pledged and thereafter received by the commission shall immediately be subject to the lien of such pledge without any physical delivery thereof or further act, and the lien of any such pledge shall be valid and binding as against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract, or otherwise against the commission irrespective of whether such parties have notice thereof. Any trust agreement or other instrument by which a pledge is created need not be filed or recorded except in the official records of the commission.

J. Neither the members of the commission nor any person executing the bonds shall be personally liable for the bonds or be subject to any personal liability or accountability by reason of the issuance thereof.

K. Bonds of the commission, their transfer, and the income thereof shall at all times be exempt from all taxation by the state or any political subdivision thereof, and may or may not be exempt for federal income tax purposes. The bonds issued pursuant to this Section shall be and are hereby declared to be legal and authorized investments for banks, savings banks, trust companies, building and loan associations, insurance companies, fiduciaries, trustees, and guardians. Such bonds shall be eligible to secure the deposit of any and all public funds of the state and any and all public funds of municipalities, parishes, school districts, or other political corporations or subdivisions of the state. Such bonds shall be lawful and sufficient security for said deposits to the extent of their value. When any bonds shall have been issued pursuant to Subsection A of this Section, neither the legislature, the state, nor any other entity may act to impair any obligation or contract for the benefit of the holders of the bonds or discontinue or decrease the fees, taxes, rates, or other revenues pledged to the payment of the bonds authorized hereunder or permit to be discontinued or decreased said revenues in anticipation of the collection of which such bonds have been issued, or in any way make any change in the allocation and dedication of any fee, rate, or other revenues which would diminish the amount of the revenues to be received by the commission, until all such bonds shall have been retired as to principal and interest, and there is hereby vested in the holders from time to time of such bonds a contract right in the provisions of this Section.

L. The commission may provide by resolution for the issuance of refunding bonds pursuant to R.S. 39:1444 et seq.

M. The holders of any bonds issued hereunder shall have such rights and remedies as may be provided in the resolution or trust agreement authorizing the issuance of the bonds, including but not by way of limitation, appointment of a trustee for the bondholders, and any other available civil action to compel compliance with the terms and provisions of the bonds and the resolution or trust agreement.

N. Subject to the agreements with the holders of bonds, all proceeds of bonds and all revenues pledged under a resolution or trust agreement authorizing or securing such bonds shall be deposited and held in trust in a fund or funds separate and apart from all other funds of the state treasury or of the department. Subject to the resolution or trust agreement, the trustee shall hold the same for the benefit of the holders of the bonds for the application and disposition thereof solely to the respective uses and purposes provided in such resolution or trust agreement.

O. The commission is authorized to employ all professionals it deems necessary in the issuance of the bonds.

P. The commission is authorized to enter into any and all agreements or contracts, execute any and all instruments, and do and perform any and all acts necessary, convenient, or desirable for the issuance of the bonds or to carry out any power expressly given in this Section.

Q. Any other provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, any revenues deposited in the bond fund that are pledged to the repayment of any bonds issued in accordance with this Section may be collected and disbursed in accordance with the documents pursuant to which such bonds were issued.

Acts 2012, No. 135, §1, eff. July 1, 2012.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:2141 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 2141
Conveyance of project; maintenance
Status: in_force

When the bonds issued for any project and the interest thereon have been paid in full, or sufficient funds have been deposited in trust for that purpose, and the project is in a condition which meets department standards for structural condition and geometric design and is in a condition of maintenance satisfactory to the department, such project and any property acquired for the project may be transferred by the board, on behalf of the authority, in full ownership to the state of Louisiana. The department will assume jurisdiction and control of the project as a part of the state highway system, provided that the legislature authorizes an increase in mileage of the state highway system equal to the length of the authority project to be transferred. Any authority project transferred to and accepted by the department will be operated and maintained by the department as an integral part of the state highway system, and the department, in the discretion of its secretary, may continue to collect any toll or fee for the purpose of maintenance of the project.

Acts 2007, No. 329, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:303 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 303
Acquisition of property and property rights
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this Part, the highway authorities may acquire private or public property and property rights for controlled-access facilities and service roads, including rights of access, air, view, and light, by donation, purchase, exchange, lease, or expropriation in the same manner as they are now or hereafter may be authorized by law to acquire property or property rights in connection with highways and streets within their respective jurisdictions. They may acquire any use of the property or the full ownership of it.

In connection with the acquisition of property or property rights for any controlled-access facility or portion thereof, or service road in connection therewith, the highway authorities may, in their discretion, acquire an entire lot, block, or tract of land when they determine it will best serve the interests of the public, even though said entire lot, block or tract is not immediately needed for the right of way proper.

Added by Acts 1955, No. 129, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:602 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 602
Public works districts; St. Landry Parish
Status: in_force

A.(1) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, specifically R.S. 48:578, 579, 581, 583, and 588, the registered voters of each police jury district in St. Landry Parish may propose the creation and implementation of public works districts in each police jury district in the parish. Each such public works district shall become operative when the proponents of the petition believe they have the signatures of at least twenty-five registered voters of any police jury district of St. Landry Parish and such petition is filed with the registrar of voters for the parish.

(2) If the registrar of voters determines that the required twenty-five electors have signed such petition for the creation of a public works district, he shall issue a certificate stating that twenty-five or more electors residing in the proposed district have signed the petition and shall forward such petition, within fifteen days, to the governing authority of St. Landry Parish.

(3) Within fifteen days after presentation of the petition by the registrar of voters, the governing authority of St. Landry Parish shall appoint a steering committee which shall act as a transition committee forming such public works commission.

(4) Within fifteen days after the appointment of the steering committee, the steering committee shall submit names for commissioners from a list compiled at a public meeting held in each precinct, educate the public, through meetings of the operation of the new public works district, and any other work that may be needed. The governing authority of St. Landry Parish shall then within fifteen days appoint the commissioners from the list of names that is presented from the steering committee. The newly appointed commission shall then be designated as the "District _____ Public Works Commission of St. Landry Parish".

(5) The specific designation of the public works district shall correspond to the respective police jury district.

B.(1) The boundaries of such commissions shall be coterminous with the boundaries of the respective police jury districts when the commissions are formed and shall remain as the exact same boundaries for the duration of any tax levied and its renewals.

(2) An area may be removed from a district upon the board of commissioners for such district receiving a petition signed by at least two-thirds of the registered voters of any precinct, as certified by the registrar of voters for the parish.

C. The commission shall be governed by a board of commissioners and shall be known as the Board of Commissioners of District _____ Public Works Commission of St. Landry Parish, hereinafter referred to as the "board".

D.(1) The commissioners of each such board shall be appointed by the governing authority of the parish of St. Landry. The governing authority shall appoint one member from each of the precincts within a particular police jury district who shall be residents of such precinct. The governing authority of the parish shall attempt to achieve a racial balance when appointing the commissioners to the board.

(2) Of the commissioners initially appointed, one-half shall serve for a term of one year and the remaining one-half shall serve for a term of two years. The length of the term of each commissioner appointed shall be determined by lot at the first meeting of the commission.

(3) The commissioners shall serve until their successors have been appointed and qualified.

(4) The terms of commissioners of the board appointed upon the expiration of the initial terms shall be two years, and upon expiration of a term of office, the successor shall be appointed as provided in this Section. No commissioner shall serve for more than two terms.

(5) Any vacancy which occurs prior to the expiration of the term for which a member of the board has been appointed shall be filled by appointment in the same manner as the original appointment for the unexpired terms.

E.(1) As soon as practical after their appointment, the board shall meet and elect from their number a chairman, a vice chairman, and a secretary/treasurer, and such other officers as it may deem appropriate.

(2) The minute books and archives, also the monies, funds, and accounts of the commission shall be supervised by the secretary/treasurer.

(a) The secretary/treasurer shall have signatory powers of the commission. They shall also be bonded by a surety bond for the amount of money that the commission shall handle between certified audits.

(b) The chairman, vice chairman, and secretary/treasurer shall have signatory powers. Two of the three officers shall sign each check.

(3) The duties of the officers shall be fixed by bylaws adopted by the board. The board shall adopt such rules and regulations as it deems necessary and advisable for conducting business and affairs and, to the extent that funds are available, shall hire such assistants and employees as are needed to assist the board in the performance of its duties. It shall hold regular meetings as shall be provided in the bylaws and may hold special meetings at such times and places within the boundaries of the commission as may be prescribed in the bylaws.

F. Each district shall be considered a political subdivision of the state, and is granted and shall have all the powers necessary to construct, acquire, operate, and maintain roads, bridges, and drainage facilities in the district which it is appointed for, and without limitation, shall have all the rights, powers, and authority enumerated for public works districts in Part II of Chapter 2 of Title 48. In addition, and without limitation, the commission shall have the following powers:

(1) The power to levy and collect within said boundaries of a district a tax not exceeding one percent upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use of consumption of corporeal movable property and upon the sale of services, as presently defined in R.S. 47:301 through 318, inclusive. Except where inapplicable, the procedure established by R.S. 47:301 through 318, inclusive, shall be followed in the imposition, collection, and enforcement of said tax and any procedural details necessary to be established to supplement the provisions of said Section and to make said provisions applicable to the tax imposed hereunder shall be fixed by resolution of the commission. The commission shall have the right to contract with the sheriff, the Department of Revenue, or any other agency or political subdivision for the collection of the tax. The board shall set forth the purposes for which the proceeds of the tax are to be used in the proposition submitted at the election hereinafter required, and such proceeds may be funded into negotiable bonds.

(a) The resolution imposing such tax shall be adopted by a commission only after the question of the imposition of such tax and the funding thereof into bonds under the provisions of this Section shall have been submitted to the qualified electors within the boundaries of such district at an election to be called, conducted, canvassed, and promulgated by the governing authority of such district in accordance with general laws of the state governing the authorization of general obligation bonds and the majority of the qualified electors voting in such election shall have voted in favor of such additional tax and the funding thereof into bonds.

(b) The resolution imposing any tax hereunder, or amendments hereto, shall specify that the avails of proceeds of the tax after payment of collection costs shall be used solely by such commission for the maintenance of all areas that fall under the heading of public works. The proposition approved at said election shall constitute a full and complete dedication of the avails or proceeds of said tax and its provisions shall control the allocation and expenditure thereof.

(2) The powers described under R.S. 38:1767 and R.S. 38:1794(C) and (D).

(3) The power to levy on all taxable property within the boundaries of such district an ad valorem tax not to exceed fifteen mills, provided said commission has received prior approval for the levy of said millage by a favorable vote of the qualified electors within the boundaries of such district at an election called by the board for the purposes of financing the operation of the public works.

(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 48:590, to merge or consolidate with other road districts or commissions that have been created under this law. The board of commissioners of the consolidated commission shall be made up of one commission member appointed by each district that is part of the consolidated district. This person shall be a commissioner of the district that they will represent.

(a) All revenue that has been raised by taxes shall continue to be used within the area that the revenues have been raised in.

(b) All commissions shall contribute an equal agreed amount, not to exceed twenty percent of each district's income, to the overall operation of the consolidated commission. These funds shall be used for the operation of the consolidated offices, the employment of supervisory personnel, insurance, and other consolidated services. This consolidated office shall handle all office work and each individual district shall have one clerk that is paid by the individual district and they shall report the work performed to the consolidated office. At no time shall the failing of a tax or the removal of any districts jeopardize the operation of other districts. Individual districts shall merge with other districts when it is of benefit to the districts due to the cost of maintaining offices and supervisory personnel. Each district shall have the responsibility of deciding the scope of work that shall be done in their individual districts.

(5) To perform necessary work as outlined in the proposition authorizing the levy of the tax. Such boards shall have the ability to call for a voter referendum on any works that would normally be considered to be public works including, but not limited to roads, drainage, recreation projects, fire protection, and water management providing that such commission's powers do not infringe or conflict with the powers of other commissions or districts.

(6) To prepare, adopt, promulgate, amend, and repeal bylaws, orders, rules, regulations, policies, forms, procedures to govern the affairs and conduct of its business and to carry out its functions in order to effectuate the provisions of this Section.

(7) To perform any other necessary and ancillary acts to effectuate its functions, to perform its duties, or to give effect to its powers in accordance with this Section.

G. Such commissions shall have work guidelines that parallel the work guidelines of the parish. The parish road supervisor or the parish public works supervisor shall inspect the work and if found not to comply with standards, the commission shall be notified and corrections will be made. The supervisor will not deal with the workers, but with management.

H. Such commissioners may issue citation for violations of public works ordinances that have been enacted by the local governing body. The citations that are issued shall be settled in local justice of peace courts.

Acts 1995, No. 929, §1; Acts 1997, No. 658, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:1752 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 1752
Creation of commission; territorial jurisdiction
Status: in_force

A. The El Camino East-West Corridor Commission (U.S. Highway 84 and Louisiana Highway 6) is hereby created. The jurisdiction of the commission shall be comprised of all territories within the geographical boundaries of the parishes of Concordia, Catahoula, LaSalle, Winn, Natchitoches, and Sabine.

B. The El Camino East-West Corridor, Inc., a private nonprofit corporation duly organized under the laws of the state of Louisiana, shall serve as the advisor to the commission. The president of said corporation shall be entitled to notice of any regular or special meeting and shall be permitted to address the commission regarding matters affecting the policies and purposes for which the commission has been established. The treasurer of the El Camino East-West Corridor Commission may serve as treasurer of the El Camino East-West Corridor, Inc. corporation.

C. The El Camino East-West Corridor Commission (U.S. Highway 84 and Louisiana Highway 6), hereinafter referred to as the "commission", shall not have the power or authority to contract for or perform any of the work involved in the construction of any highway project. Such work shall be performed by or through the authority of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

Acts 1992, No. 214, §1; Acts 1997, No. 260, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:1458 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 1458
Conduct of meetings and affairs; bylaws
Status: in_force

The board is authorized to create, amend, and repeal bylaws, rules and regulations, and resolutions for the government of the meetings and affairs of the system, not inconsistent with this Chapter or other law.

Acts 2005, No. 463, §1, eff. Jan.1, 2006.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:1663 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 1663
Tax and regulatory exemptions, audits, reports
Status: in_force

A. As the exercise of the powers granted hereby will be in all respects for the benefit of the people of the state, for the increase of their commerce and prosperity, the authority shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon any property acquired or used by it under the provisions of this Chapter, or upon the income therefrom, all of which shall be exempt from taxation of any type by the state of Louisiana and by any parish, municipality, or political subdivision of this state. In the event of any lease of authority property, or any other arrangement which amounts to a leasehold interest, to a private party, this exemption shall not apply to the value of such leasehold interest or to the income of the lessee. Otherwise, however, and for purposes of taxation, when property of the authority is leased to private parties to be employed solely for purposes of the authority, the acts and activities of the lessee shall be considered as the acts and activities of the authority, and the exemption hereunder shall apply to such acts and activities.

B. Except as provided herein, the authority shall not be subject in any respect to the authority, control, or supervision of any regulatory body of the state, including but not limited to the Public Service Commission, or any political subdivision of the state, but its books and records shall be subject to audit annually by the legislative auditor.

C. Following the annual audit herein provided for, the authority shall publish an annual financial statement in a daily newspaper of general circulation, which shall set forth in each parish in which the authority operates, any tax revenue and operating revenue received, as well as the total expenditures made, and also a list of all written contracts entered into by the authority during the preceding year which call for the authority to expend at any time, in the aggregate, more than fifty thousand dollars. Such list also shall include any employment or consultant contracts, whether or not written, under which the employee or consultant is to be compensated at an annual rate of more than twenty thousand dollars, including direct and indirect or deferred benefits.

Added by Acts 1979, No. 439, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 1979.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:220.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 220.1
Width of right of way acquired informally
Status: in_force

Whenever the department of highways, under its statutory authority takes over an existing road from a parish or municipality, unless there is an agreement between the two agencies to the contrary, the department shall acquire all of the rights which the ceding agency possessed with regard to the ceded road or street. In those instances where the highway was constructed by the parish or municipality without a recorded conveyance or dedication of the right of way by the landowner, and in those instances where the department has constructed a highway without a recorded conveyance or dedication by the landowner, the width of the right of way servitude for the said highway shall include the roadway, shoulder, roadside ditch and an area extending one and one-half feet beyond the rear or outside slope of the roadside ditch. Nothing herein shall affect title to any buildings or fences, nor require their removal without payment of just compensation therefor, nor shall anything herein affect title to the soil beneath the highway right of way nor to any minerals thereunder. The existence of the highways for a period in excess of three years shall vest title to the right of way servitude in the Department of Highways.

Added by Acts 1976, No. 630.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:231 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 231
Final construction program for current fiscal year; public hearings; Joint Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works; reports; review by legislature; restrictions on legislature
Status: in_force

A.(1) Not later than October first of each year, the department shall provide a proposed program of construction for the coming fiscal year to the Joint Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.

(2) The committee shall hold public hearings in each highway district for the purpose of reviewing priorities for the coming fiscal year.

(3) At each public hearing, the department shall provide each House of Representatives and Senate member with a map indicating the following regarding projects within their respective House or Senate district:

(a) All projects proposed for construction within their district for the coming fiscal year.

(b) All completed projects within their district for the three previous fiscal years.

(4) The department shall make the maps required to be provided to members of the legislature pursuant to Paragraph (3) of this Subsection available to any person upon request following the public hearings.

(5) A report based on the testimony received at the hearings shall be sent to the department and the House and Senate committees on transportation, highways and public works. The department shall then create the final construction program for the coming fiscal year for submission to the legislature. Any project discussed at the hearing that is not included in the final construction program for the upcoming fiscal year shall be given numerical identification and the department shall provide the aforementioned committees with a list of the projects along with written justification for the exclusion of each individual project.

(6) When this final construction program is communicated to the legislature for funding for the coming fiscal year, any project which the legislature determines is not in the proper order of priority in accordance with the factors stated in R.S. 48:229.1 may be deleted by the legislature. Any project discussed at the public hearing that is excluded from the final construction program by the department for more than one consecutive fiscal year shall become eligible to be added to the program.

B.(1) The Joint Highway Priority Construction Committee shall be comprised of the entire membership of the House and Senate transportation, highways and public works committees and shall include legislators representing the parishes within the respective highway district for the purposes of attending the public hearings in each district as required in Subsection A of this Section. Notwithstanding any unforeseen circumstances, the chairman shall provide notice, via electronic transmission, to each member of the Joint Highway Priority Construction Committee and legislators representing the parishes within the respective highway district, fifteen calendar days prior to each public hearing in each highway district as required in Subsection A of this Section. Beginning in 2004, the chairman of the House Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee shall serve as chairman of the Joint Highway Priority Construction Committee. Thereafter, chairmanship of the Joint Highway Priority Construction Committee shall rotate between the chairman of the House and Senate transportation, highways and public works committees on a two-year basis.

(2) No action shall be taken by such joint committee except by the favorable vote of a majority of the members thereof from each house present and voting, each house voting separately, a quorum of the joint committee being present.

Added by Acts 1974, No. 334, §1. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 291, §1; Acts 2001, No. 1032, §16; Acts 2004, No. 887, §1; Acts 2008, No. 692, §1; Acts 2010, No. 13, §1; Acts 2010, No. 91, §1; Acts 2010, No. 588, §1; Acts 2013, No. 207, §1; Acts 2020, No. 116, §1, eff. June 9, 2020; Acts 2025, No. 380, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:1842 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 1842
West Florida Republic Parkway
Status: in_force

Interstate 12 shall be known and designated as the West Florida Republic Parkway. Commemorative signs along the roadway shall include a circular emblem including the words "West Florida Republic Parkway" and the Bonnie Blue Flag of the Republic of West Florida.

Acts 1993, No. 513, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:1456 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 1456
Board of commissioners
Status: in_force

A.(1) If there are no participating parishes other than East Baton Rouge Parish, the system shall be governed by a board of commissioners comprised of ten members, with one member being a representative of the Amalgamated Transit Union.

(2) The member from the Amalgamated Transit Union shall be the president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1546 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, or his designee. The union representative shall be a retired union member and serve as a member of the board without voting privileges. The union representative shall not participate in any executive session involving personnel issues or collective bargaining agreements.

B.(1) Effective January 1, 2009, and every three years thereafter, the board shall reapportion its membership to provide for representation of participating parishes as provided in this Subsection. Each such reapportionment shall be adopted by October first immediately prior to the January first on which it will become effective. For purposes of this Subsection, the year in which a reapportionment becomes effective shall be year one of a reapportionment cycle, the subsequent year shall be year two of a cycle, and the year in which a reapportionment is adopted shall be year three of a cycle.

(2) Every participating parish shall appoint at least one member to the board.

(3)(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the total number of commissioners shall not exceed fifteen when a reapportionment, as provided for in Paragraphs (4) and (5) of this Subsection, is complete.

(b) The nonvoting union representative shall not be counted in the total number of seats during a reapportionment period.

(4) The membership on the board shall be reapportioned so that, to the extent possible, the ratio of the number of board members representing each participating parish to the total board membership shall be the same as the ratio of each parish's total financial contribution during year one and year two of the reapportionment cycle, as determined by the board, to the total of all participating parishes' contributions during those same two years. Contributions that were received during the two-year period but which were required by law, contract, or prior decision of the board to be paid prior to the two-year period shall not be considered.

(5) At each reapportionment, the number of commissioners from East Baton Rouge Parish shall remain nine, and other participating parishes shall appoint a number of members based on financial contribution as provided in Paragraph (4) of this Subsection unless this would result in a total membership in excess of fifteen. The number of commissioners appointed from East Baton Rouge Parish, as any other participating parish, shall be reduced and shall also be calculated based on the proportion of financial contribution made to the system when such a reduction is necessary to prevent the total number of commissioners from exceeding fifteen, except as otherwise provided by this Section, at the time of a reapportionment.

(6)(a) A parish which becomes a participating parish in year one or year two of a reapportionment cycle shall be immediately entitled to appoint one member of the board.

(b) A parish which becomes a participating parish in year three of a reapportionment cycle shall not be considered in the reapportionment that year but shall be immediately entitled to appoint one member of the board.

(c) Members appointed in accordance with Subparagraph (a) or (b) of this Paragraph may result in a total board membership in excess of fifteen until the subsequent reapportionment.

(7) Whenever the number of board members representing a parish is to be reduced as a result of reapportionment, the reduction shall be accomplished by the termination of the board membership of the member or members representing that parish with the least time remaining in their terms. In the event a parish's members have equally short terms and a fewer number of board positions for that parish are to be eliminated, the governing authority of such parish shall determine which member's term or members' terms shall be eliminated.

C.(1) The members from each participating parish, including East Baton Rouge Parish, shall be appointed by its governing authority in accordance with the procedures established by the governing authority. Except as provided in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, all terms shall end on the third December thirty-first following the appointment.

(2) The initial members of the board of commissioners shall be the members serving as the board of directors of the Capital Area Transit System on the effective date of this Chapter. The three with the longest remaining terms on that board of directors shall serve an initial term lasting until December 31, 2008, the three with the shortest remaining terms shall serve an initial term lasting until December 31, 2006, and the other three shall serve an initial term lasting until December 31, 2007.

D. Notwithstanding the expiration of their terms, members shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified, unless removed for cause, which removal shall take immediate effect. The governing authority of the appointing parish shall appoint a temporary replacement to the board immediately upon removal or within fourteen days. However, if the member who is removed is the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1546 representative, then the international president of the Amalgamated Transit Union shall appoint the temporary replacement immediately or within fourteen days. The temporary appointee shall remain on the board until a successor is appointed and qualified. A temporary appointee is not eligible for reappointment for a term. All other appointed members are eligible for reappointment.

E. A member may be removed only for cause determined by the governing body of the appointing parish. The board shall declare a member's office vacant upon the member's conviction of a felony or a plea of nolo contendere thereto. Further, a member shall be deemed to have abandoned his office upon failure to attend two of any three consecutive regularly scheduled meetings without an excuse approved by a resolution of the board at the next regular meeting, and a vacancy shall be deemed to exist in the member's office beginning at such time.

Acts 2005, No. 463, §1, eff. Jan.1, 2006; Acts 2014, No. 584, §1, eff. June 9, 2014; Acts 2025, No. 391, §2, eff. June 20, 2025; Acts 2025, No. 487, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:1255 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 1255
General powers
Status: in_force

The authority shall have the following powers:

(1) To adopt by-laws for the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its business;

(2) To adopt an official seal;

(3) To maintain an office at such place or places within the state as it may designate;

(4) To sue and be sued in its own name;

(5) To construct, maintain, repair and operate expressway projects;

(6) To determine the location, subject to the approval of the governor, of expressway projects, and to determine, in its discretion and without reference to any other provision of this Chapter or any other law, the design standards and the materials of construction.

(7) To issue expressway revenue bonds of the authority, payable solely from revenues, and to refund its bonds, as provided in this Chapter;

(8) To fix and revise from time to time and charge and collect tolls or other charges for transit over or use of any project;

(9) To establish rules and regulations for the use of any project;

(10) To acquire, hold and dispose of real and personal property in the exercise of its powers and the performance of its duties under this Chapter;

(11) To acquire in the name of the authority by purchase or otherwise, on such terms and conditions and in such manner as it may deem proper, or by the exercise of the power of eminent domain, any land and other property, which it may determine is reasonably necessary for any project or for the relocation or reconstruction of any public road by the authority under the provisions of this Chapter or for the construction of any feeder road as defined herein, and any and all rights, title and interest in such land and other property, including public lands, parks, playgrounds, reservations, roads or parkways, owned by or in which any parish, political subdivision, city, town, village, public agency or officer of the state of Louisiana has any right, title or interest, or parts thereof or rights therein and fee simple absolute or lesser interest in private property, and any fee simple absolute in, easements upon, or the benefit of restrictions upon, abutting property to preserve and protect expressway projects;

(12) To sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of any real property not necessary for its corporate purpose or whenever the authority shall determine that it is in the best interest of the authority;

(13) To make and enter into all contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties and the execution of its powers under this Chapter. When the cost under any construction contract or agreement, involves an expenditure of more than fifteen hundred dollars the authority shall make a written contract with the lowest and best bidder after advertisement for not less than two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation published in the parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and in such other publications as the authority may determine. Such notice shall state the general character of the work and the general character of the materials to be furnished, the place where plans and specifications therefor may be examined, and the time and place of receiving bids. Each bid shall contain the full name of every person or company interested in it and shall be accompanied by a sufficient bond or certified check on a solvent bank that if the bid is accepted a contract will be entered into and the performance of its proposal secured. The authority may reject any and all bids. A bond with good and sufficient surety as shall be approved by the authority, shall be required of all contractors in an amount equal to one hundred per cent of the contract price, conditioned upon the faithful performance of the contract;

(14) To locate and designate, and to establish, limit and control such points of ingress to and egress from each project as may be necessary or desirable in the judgment of the authority to insure the proper operation and maintenance of such project, and to prohibit entrance to such project from any point or points not so designated;

(15) To construct, maintain, repair and operate any feeder road which in the opinion of the authority will increase the use of a project or projects, to take over for maintenance, repair and operation any existing public road as a feeder road, and to realign any such existing public road and build additional sections or road over new re-alignment in connection with such existing public road;

(16) To receive and accept from any federal agency, subject to the approval of the Governor, grants for or in aid of the construction of any project, and to receive and accept aid or contributions from any source, of either money, property or other things of value to be held, used and applied only for the purposes for which such grants and contributions may be made; providing, however, that no federal funds now received by the state of Louisiana may be diverted to or received or accepted by the authority;

(17) To employ such engineers, attorneys, accountants, construction and financial experts, superintendents, managers and other employees and agents as the authority deems advisable and as may be necessary in its judgment and to fix their compensation;

(18) To do all acts and things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers and duties expressly granted in this Chapter.

Acts 1954, No. 232, §5. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 220, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:1093 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 1093
General purposes and powers
Status: in_force

Every authority incorporated under this Part shall be for the purpose of constructing or acquiring toll bridges and ferries to improve and extend the highway system of the State of Louisiana and, subject to the consent of the affected local governmental bodies, shall also be authorized to construct or acquire transit systems, terminals and in the case of the Mississippi River Bridge Authority such parking facilities as may be required on the west bank of the Mississippi River within its jurisdiction in connection with its toll bridges and ferries so as to supplement and augment the effectiveness of its bridges and ferries and better provide for the mass movement of people; provided, however, that no such authority shall construct a transit system, in competition with an existing transit system, nor shall any such authority expropriate any portion of an existing transit system unless the entire system is purchased. It is further provided that no State Department of Highways Long Range Highway Fund monies shall be pledged or used to finance any such transit systems and terminals or parking facilities. Every such authority is hereby granted and shall have and may exercise all powers necessary or convenient for the carrying out of said purposes, including, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following rights and powers:

(1) To sue and be sued;

(2) To adopt, use and alter at will a corporate seal;

(3) To acquire, purchase, lease as lessee and hold and use any franchise, property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein necessary or desirable for carrying out the purposes of the authority, and to sell, lease as lessor, transfer and dispose of any property or interest therein at any time acquired by it; provided, however, that title to all such property shall be taken in the name of the State of Louisiana;

(4) To acquire by purchase, lease or otherwise and to construct, improve, maintain, repair and operate toll bridges and ferries;

(5) To make by-laws for the management and regulation of its affairs;

(6) To appoint officers, agents, employees and servants; to prescribe their duties and to fix their compensation;

(7) To fix, alter, charge and collect fares and tolls, at reasonable rates to be determined exclusively by it, for the purpose of providing for the payment of the expenses of the authority, the construction, improvement, repair, maintenance and operation of its facilities and properties, the payment of the principal of and the interest upon its obligations, and to fulfill the terms and provisions of any agreements made with the purchasers, or holders of any such obligations;

(8) To borrow money, make and issue negotiable notes, bonds, refunding bonds, and other evidences of indebtedness or obligations (herein called 'bonds') of the authority, said bonds to have a maturity date not longer than fifty (50) years from the date of issue, and to secure the payment of such bonds or any part thereof by pledge or deed of trust of all or any of its revenues and receipts, and including any funds that may be dedicated thereto by any state agency or federal agency, and to make such agreements with the purchasers or holders of such bonds or with others in connection with any such bonds, whether issued or to be issued, as the authority shall deem advisable, and in general, to provide for the security of said bonds and the rights of the holders thereof;

(9) To make contracts of every nature and to execute all instruments necessary or convenient for the carrying on of its business;

(10) Without limitation of the foregoing, to borrow money and accept grants from and to enter into contracts, leases or other transactions with any federal agency or state agency and to pledge and assign to secure its bonds any such grants, contracts, leases or other transactions.

(11) To acquire in the name of the State of Louisiana by purchase or otherwise on such terms and conditions and in such manner, with or without competitive bidding, as it may deem proper, or by expropriation, under the general expropriation laws of the state and under the provision of R.S. 19:51-19:66, any existing privately owned bridges or ferry franchises and systems and land or other property, servitude, and improvement on land, which it may determine is reasonably necessary for any bridge or ferry or for the relocation or reconstruction of any bridge or ferry by the authority under the provisions of this Part or for the construction of any approaches thereto, and any and all lands, title and interest in such lands, other property, servitudes and improvement on land; provided, however, that no property owned by or in which any parish, city, town, village or other political subdivision of the State of Louisiana has any right, title or interest, or parts thereof or rights therein, may be expropriated except with the consent of such parish, municipal corporation or political subdivision. After the authority has commenced operations on a tract of land without objection on the part of the landowner, the landowner may not prevent or retard the operations by any legal process, but shall be limited to an action for damages.

(12) To pledge, hypothecate or otherwise encumber all or any of the receipts of the authority as security for all or any of the obligations of the authority;

(13) To do all acts and things necessary or convenient for the promotion of its business and the general welfare of the authority, or to carry out the powers granted to it by this Part or any other laws;

(14) To contract with any adjoining state or with any public agency or agencies of an adjoining state upon such terms as the authority shall deem proper for the acquisition, construction, and operation of any bridge or ferry which is partly in this state and partly in such adjoining state;

(15) To enter into contracts or group insurance for the benefit of its employees and to set up a retirement or pension fund for such employees. Every bridge and ferry authority authorized, created or incorporated pursuant to Act No. 7 of 1952, as amended and supplemented, shall have all of the supplemental and additional powers provided by R.S. 48:1091 through 48:1107 (Act No. 526 of 1958 as amended).

Acts 1958, No. 526, §3. Amended by Acts 1962, No. 413, §1; Acts 1966, No. 413, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:256.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 256.3
Payment bond
Status: in_force

A.(1) Whenever the department enters into a contract in excess of fifty thousand dollars for the construction, maintenance, alteration, or repair of any public works, the department shall require of the contractor a bond with good, solvent, and sufficient surety in a sum not less than fifty percent of the contract price for the payment by the contractor or subcontractor to claimants as defined in R.S. 48:256.5.

(2) The bond furnished shall be a statutory bond and no modification, omissions, additions in or to the terms of the contract, in the plans or specifications, or in the manner and mode of payment shall in any manner diminish, enlarge, or otherwise modify the obligations of the bond. The bond shall be executed by the contractor with surety or sureties approved by the department and shall be recorded with the contract in the office of the recorder of mortgages in the parish where the work is to be done not later than thirty days after the work has begun.

(3) The recorded portion of the contract shall state that the undersecretary is the official of the department to whom claims against the contractor or surety or both shall be made and shall state with particularity the address for delivery of claims to the department pursuant to R.S. 48:256.5.

B.(1) The payment provisions of all bonds furnished for department contracts described in this Subpart, regardless of form or content, shall be construed as and deemed statutory bond provisions. Except as provided in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, nothing in this Part shall be construed to preclude a surety who has furnished such a bond from asserting any defense to the principal obligation that its principal could assert except lack of capacity or discharge in bankruptcy of the principal obligor. Any such bond which fails to contain any of the requirements set forth in this Subpart shall be deemed to incorporate all of the requirements set forth in this Section. Language in any such bond containing any obligations beyond the requirements set forth in this Part shall be deemed surplusage and read out of such bond. Sureties and contractors executing payment bonds for department contracts under this Subpart shall be immune from liability for or payment of any claims not required by this Subpart.

(2) The surety shall be obligated and required to issue payment to a materialman for claims by a materialman under the following conditions:

(a) The claim is for material delivered in conformity with material specifications provided in the order for such material.

(b) No sooner than forty-five days after delivery of the material, the materialman sends a notice of nonpayment to the general contractor, the surety, and the owner.

(c) The materialman has not been paid in full on or before ninety days after delivery of the material.

(3) If the requirements of Paragraph (2) of this Subsection are satisfied, the surety shall pay the materialman within ten days after the materialman sends a payment notice to the surety.

(4) The claim of a materialman and right to payment as provided in this Subsection are in addition to and not in derogation of any other rights, claims, or remedies available to a materialman in this Part.

(5) Any notice required under this Section shall be served by mailing the same by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, in an envelope addressed to the last known address of the general contractor, the surety, and the owner. The return receipt indicating that registered mail or certified mail was properly addressed to the last known address of the general contractor, the surety, and the owner and deposited in the United States mail regardless of whether the registered or certified mail was actually delivered, refused, or unclaimed satisfies the notice provision of this Section.

C. A bond issued pursuant to this Section shall not create, nor shall such bond be construed to create, any cause of action in favor of the department, or any third party, for personal injury or property damages sustained by any third party during the effective period of the bond. Nothing contained herein shall in any way limit the liability on the bond for the performance of the work pursuant to the contract in question; however, to the extent that the department contract in question should contain any provisions for a hold harmless or indemnity agreement, or both, by the contractor, in favor of the public entity, for personal injury or property damages sustained by third parties, the hold harmless or indemnity agreement, or both, shall not be deemed or construed to be secured by the bond, conditioned upon the concurrence of the contractor and the surety.

D. Any provisions of a bond issued pursuant to this Section which are contrary to Subsection C of this Section are hereby declared to be contrary to the public policy of the state of Louisiana and are null and void.

E. The provisions of this Section shall not be subject to waiver by contract.

Acts 1997, No. 1112, §1, eff. July 14, 1997; Acts 1999, No. 607, §1, eff. June 30, 1999; Acts 2024, No. 761, §2, eff. June 19, 2024.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:1401 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 1401
Commission created
Status: in_force

There is hereby created a scenic drive commission to be known as the Toledo Bend Forest Scenic Drive Commission.

Acts 1968, No. 232, §1. Amended by Acts 1971, No. 157, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:1106 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 1106
Methods and powers as additional and alternative
Status: in_force

The foregoing sections of this Part shall be deemed to provide an additional and alternative method for the doing of things authorized thereby, and shall be regarded as supplemental and additional to powers conferred by other laws, and shall not be regarded as in derogation of any powers now existing except as otherwise provided herein; provided, however, that the issuance of bridge revenue bonds or refunding bonds under the provisions of this Part need not comply with the requirements of any other law applicable to the issuance of bonds.

Acts 1958, No. 526, §16.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:726 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 726
Authorization to dispose of certain immovable property; methods and procedures
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, if the governing authority of the city of Covington determines that any servitude, street, road, or alleyway which is owned by the city or title to which is in the public is no longer needed for public use, it may dispose of such property as provided for in this Part. However, the city shall not dispose of any property pursuant to this Part unless such property or title thereto has been held by the governing authority for at least ten years.

B. Disposition of property pursuant to this Part shall be by one of the following methods:

(1) Revocation of the dedication of property which is dedicated to public use.

(2) Sale of the property at public auction.

(3) Sale of the property at private sale.

(4) Exchange of the property for other property of approximately equal value.

C. The governing authority shall adopt an ordinance declaring that the property is no longer needed for public purposes and authorizing its disposition by one of the methods prescribed in this Part. The governing authority shall publish a summary of said ordinance in the official journal of the city at least three weeks but no more than ninety days in advance of the adoption of the ordinance.

D. Disposition of property pursuant to this Part shall also be in accordance with the following procedures:

(1) If disposition is by revocation of the dedication of the property, upon the effective date of the revocation all of the soil covered by and embraced in such servitude, street, road, or alleyway up to the centerline thereof shall revert to the present owner or owners of the land contiguous thereto.

(2) If disposition is by sale at public auction, the governing authority shall establish a minimum price for the property. The governing authority may:

(a) Fix the conditions of the sale.

(b) Retain the right to reject any or all bids.

(c) Authorize the purchaser to pay for the property on either a cash or credit basis.

(3) If disposition is by sale at private sale, the governing authority shall appoint an expert appraiser or appraisers who shall appraise the property. The property shall not be sold for less than the appraised value or, if more than one appraisal is performed, the lowest appraised value.

(4)(a) If disposition is by exchange, the governing authority shall appoint an expert appraiser who shall appraise the property. The property may be exchanged for other property of approximately equal value, as such value is determined by the appraiser, provided that the governing authority shall pay or receive any difference in value in cash.

(b) Any person, other than the person with whom property is exchanged pursuant to this Paragraph, having or claiming to have any right, title, or interest in or to property received by the municipal governing authority in such exchange shall file suit to establish the right claimed within six months after the date of publication of the notice required by Subsection C of this Section or lose by prescription all such right, title, and interest in or to the property. This prescription runs against all persons, including minors and interdicts.

E. With respect only to the city of Covington, this Part shall be construed as affording alternative procedures to those set forth in R.S. 33:4712, 4712.6, and 4717 and shall supersede the provisions of R.S. 48:701 and 702.

Acts 1997, No. 135, §1, eff. June 13, 1997.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:886 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 886
Cessation of tolls
Status: in_force

The governing authority of any parish issuing its bonds pursuant to the provisions of this Sub-part shall do all acts necessary in the construction or acquisition, maintenance and operation of any bridge to the end that the bridge may be operated free of tolls as early as possible and practicable, subject only to the express limitations of this Sub-part and the limitations of the other laws and constitutional provisions applicable thereto.

When the particular bonds issued for any bridge or bridges and the interest thereon has been paid or a sufficient amount has been provided for their payment and continues to be held for that purpose, the parish issuing the bonds shall cease to charge tolls for the use of the bridge or bridges and the bridge or bridges shall be free, unless tolls are required for maintaining, repairing, and operating the bridge or bridges due to the lack of funds from other sources than tolls. However, the provisions of this Section do not apply to common carriers, transportation companies, bus lines, and anyone transporting passengers or freight for hire, but apply only to the use of the highway portion of the bridge by the traveling public. As respects other than the latter use, the parish may continue to fix and collect such tolls and charges as it considers in the public interest.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:451.10 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 451.10
Challenges for cause
Status: in_force

A juror may be challenged for cause based upon any of the following:

(1) When the juror lacks a qualification required by law;

(2) When the juror has formed an opinion in the case or is not otherwise impartial, the cause of his bias being immaterial;

(3) When the relations, whether by blood, marriage, employment, friendship, or enmity, between the juror and any party or his attorney are such that it must be reasonably believed that they would influence the juror in coming to a verdict;

(4) When the juror served on a previous jury which tried the same case or one arising out of the same facts;

(5) When the juror refuses to answer a question on the voir dire examination on the ground that his answer might tend to incriminate him.

Acts 1974, Ex.Sess., No. 30, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1975.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:381.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 381.2
Rights-of-way; telecommunication installations, including wireless telephone hardware, fiber-optic lines, and telecommunications towers; annual report to the legislature
Status: in_force

A.(1) The chief engineer or his duly authorized representative may issue nonexclusive permits, on a competitively neutral and nondiscriminatory basis for use of public rights-of-way, to utility operators for the purpose of installation of fiber-optic cable facilities within controlled-access highway rights-of-way.

(2) Fiber-optic cable providers may submit permit applications to the department whereby the utility provider commits to a payment of a one-time flat fee per permit.

B.(1) The chief engineer or his duly authorized representative may issue nonexclusive permits, on a competitively neutral and nondiscriminatory basis for use of public rights-of-way, to utility operators for the purpose of installation of wireless telecommunications equipment and facilities within highway rights-of-way.

(2) Wireless telecommunications providers may submit permit applications to the department whereby the utility provider commits to a payment of a flat fee per permit.

C. The secretary may promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to specify the following:

(1) Amount of fees to be charged in applicable cases.

(2) Requirements for telecommunication resources to be provided to the state in instances where "shared resources" agreements are utilized. As used in this Section, "shared resources" shall include in-kind services.

(3) Criteria whereby the number of utility operators to be allowed to install facilities in certain areas will be determined based on such factors as square footage available.

(4) Safety regulations and maintenance standards to be followed by the utility operator.

(5) Relocation policy.

D. All fees shall be deposited by the secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development in the state treasury. After such deposit, an amount equal to the fees collected shall be transferred to the Right-of-Way Account established pursuant to R.S. 48:381.1 and shall be set aside for the use of the Department of Transportation and Development to defray the expenses of the right-of-way permit office in connection with the issuance and processing required for permitted activity within the state roads and highway rights-of-way.

E. All rules and regulations are subject to the Administrative Procedure Act and the approval of the Federal Highway Administration.

F. The fee for fiber-optic telecommunication installations placed within a controlled access highway right-of-way shall not exceed the actual cost of the administration of the program. The department may reduce fees in exchange for shared resources. The department is authorized to reduce fees for its agents, defined for the purposes of this Subsection as those applicants who erect facilities on behalf of the department in order to conduct department work.

G. The secretary shall prepare and submit an annual report to the House and Senate transportation, highways and public works committees, which summarizes the activities, revenues, and expenditures of the right-of-way permit office related to the administration of this Section. The first annual report required under the provisions of this Subsection shall contain a summary of the activities, revenues, and expenditures of the right-of-way permit office from the beginning of the program to date and shall be submitted to the House and Senate transportation, highways and public works committees not later than January 30, 2002. Each subsequent annual report shall be submitted not later than ninety days following the end of each calendar year and shall contain the following information:

(1) Deposits and withdrawals from the Right-of-Way Account related to this Section.

(2) Number and summary of all "shared resource" permits including:

(a) The identity of the permittee.

(b) Location of fiber-optic cable facilities of the permittee.

(c) Location of resources accepted along "alternative routes".

(d) Valuation of shared resources including the methodology utilized to calculate such valuation.

(e) A description, including the location, of any shared resources used by the department.

(3) Number of fiber-optic permits issued by the department.

(4) Names of all active permittees.

(5) Information on all permits which have been revoked including the reason for revocation.

(6) Status of all pending permit applications.

(7) Amount of fees collected by the department from permittees.

(8) Copies of all rules promulgated by the department and all notices of intent to promulgate administrative rules.

(9) Description and summary of all meetings with industry members or their representatives.

(10) Other information the secretary deems helpful regarding fiber-optic cable within highway rights-of-way.

Acts 1997, No. 1035, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1382, §1, eff. July 13, 1999; Acts 2001, No. 277, §1, eff. June 1, 2001; Acts 2001, No. 399, §1, eff. June 13, 2001; Acts 2021, No. 114, §14, eff. July 1, 2022.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:304 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 304
New and existing facilities; grade-crossing eliminations
Status: in_force

The highway authorities may designate and establish controlled-access highways as new and additional facilities or may designate and establish an existing street or highway as included within or being a controlled-access facility.

They may provide for the elimination of intersections at grade of controlled-access facilities with existing state and parish roads or municipal streets by grade separation or service roads or by closing off roads and streets at the right of way boundary line of the controlled-access facility. After the establishment of any controlled-access facility, no highway or street which is not part thereof shall intersect it at grade. No municipal, parish or state highway, or street, or other public way shall be opened into or connected with any controlled-access facility without the consent and previous approval of the highway authority having jurisdiction over the facility. Such consent and approval shall be given only if the public interest is served thereby.

Provided however that notice of intent to establish such controlled-access facility within a municipality or within five miles thereof shall be delivered to the executive offices of such municipality together with plats outlining in reasonable detail the proposal not less than thirty days prior to the undertaking of such construction.

Provided further that in the event of objection to such proposal by the governing authorities of such municipality the same shall not be undertaken except after a public hearing by the board of highways.

After such public hearing a decision by the board of highways relative thereto shall be final.

Added by Acts 1955, No. 129, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:163.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 163.1
Use of highway funds for bicycle facilities
Status: in_force

A.(1) The department annually may expend a reasonable amount of the transportation trust fund for the establishment, construction, and maintenance of bicycle facilities. Bicycle facilities may be established wherever a highway, road, or street is being constructed, reconstructed, relocated, or as separate projects, unless the department determines the following:

(a) The roadway is one on which the presence of bicyclists and pedestrians is prohibited by law.

(b) The cost of providing bicycle facilities would be excessively disproportionate to the need or probable use. "Excessively disproportionate" is defined as exceeding twenty percent of the cost of the project.

(c) There is a sparsity of population which demonstrates absence of need or prudence, or future development is not anticipated.

(2) Bicycle facilities shall not be constructed in conjunction with preservation projects if the construction of the facility requires right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, or major construction. Retrofits, including but not limited to narrowing lanes, restriping, and other general improvements, shall be considered in conjunction with preservation projects.

(3) When population levels and development demonstrates that bicycle facilities would fill a need and construction of the facility would require right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, or major construction, the department shall work with a municipality or parish to identify funding for the facility as a separate project.

(4) Maintenance of sidewalks and bicycle facilities outside the limits of the curb or shoulder shall be the responsibility of the municipality or parish. Maintenance agreements shall be required.

B. Any municipality or parish may expend a reasonable amount of funds received from the parish transportation fund for the establishment, construction, and maintenance of bicycle facilities.

C. Repealed by Acts 2010, No. 618, §4.

D. The amount expended by the department as permitted by this Section may be at least one percent of the total funds appropriated to the transportation trust fund in any given fiscal year.

E. Any municipality or parish which receives funds from the parish transportation fund may expend at least one percent of those funds for the establishment of bicycle facilities. However,

(1) This Subsection shall not apply to a municipality in which the one percent equals two hundred fifty dollars or less, or to a parish in any year in which the one percent equals one thousand five hundred dollars or less;

(2) A municipality or parish in lieu of expending the funds each year may credit the funds to a special fund or account, to be held for not more than ten years, and to be expended only for the purposes required by this Section.

F. The department shall recommend construction standards for bicycle facilities.

G. The department shall provide a uniform system of marking bicycle facilities in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, such system to be used on all facilities under the jurisdiction of the department and municipalities and parishes.

H. The department and municipalities and parishes shall restrict the use of bicycle facilities under their respective jurisdictions to pedestrians and nonmotorized vehicles, except for electric personal assistive mobility devices where such devices do not pose a hazard to the device users or other users of the facility.

Added by Acts 1974, No. 577, §2. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 291, §1; Acts 1999, No. 368, §1, eff. June 16, 1999; Acts 2010, No. 618, §§3, 4.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:2157 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 2157
Jurisdiction; powers of commission
Status: in_force

The commission may exercise powers necessary, appurtenant, convenient, or incidental to the carrying out of its purposes, including but not limited to the following rights and powers:

(1) To adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of the commission, for the governance of its affairs, and for the conduct of its business.

(2) To adopt, use, and alter at will an official seal.

(3) To plan, construct, reconstruct, maintain, improve, operate, own, or lease projects within its jurisdiction in the manner determined by the commission and to pay any project costs in connection therewith.

(4) To sue and be sued in its own name.

(5) To impose, revise, and adjust tolls, fees, and charges in connection with its projects sufficient to pay all project costs, maintenance, operation, debt service, and reserve or replacement costs, and other necessary or usual charges.

(6) To regulate speed limits on the tollways consistent with state speed limits.

(7) To contract with any person, partnership, association, or corporation desiring the use of any part of a project, including the right-of-way adjoining the paved portion, for placing thereon telephone, fiber optic, telegraph, electric light, or power lines, gas stations, garages, and restaurants, or for any other purpose, and to fix the terms, conditions, rents, and rates of charges limited to no more than the commission's direct and actual cost of administering the permitting process.

(8) To acquire, hold, and dispose of real and personal property in the exercise of its powers and the performance of its duties under this Chapter in accordance with law.

(9) To acquire public or private lands including rights or easements in the name of the commission by purchase, donation, exchange, foreclosure, lease, or otherwise, including exercising the power of eminent domain in accordance with Part XVIII of Chapter 1 of this Title, as it may deem necessary for carrying out the provisions of this Chapter.

(10) To hold, sell, assign, lease, or otherwise dispose of any real or personal property or any interest therein; to release or relinquish any right, title, claim, lien, interest, easement, or demand however acquired, including any equity or right of redemption in property foreclosed by it; to take assignments of leases and rentals; to proceed with foreclosure actions; or to take any other actions necessary or incidental to the performance of its corporate purposes.

(11) To establish control of access, designate the location, and establish, limit, and control points of ingress and egress for each project as may be necessary or desirable in the judgment of the commission to ensure its proper operation and maintenance, and to prohibit entrance to such project from any point or points not so designated, subject to the prior written concurrence of the department when the state highway system is affected.

(12) To relocate parish, municipal, or other public roads affected or severed by commission projects with equal or better facilities at the expense of the commission.

(13) To enter, or authorize its agents to enter, upon any lands, waters, or premises within the geographic boundaries of the commission for the purpose of making surveys, soundings, drillings, or examinations as it may deem necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this Chapter provided that the commission shall reimburse any actual damages resulting to such lands, waters, or premises as a result of such activities; such entry shall not be deemed a trespass or unlawful.

(14) To procure insurance in such amount or amounts appropriate to the size of the project, as determined by the commission, insuring the commission against all losses, risk, and liability arising out of the construction, operation, maintenance, and ownership of any project.

(15) To apply for, receive, and accept grants, loans, advances, and contributions from any source of money, property, labor, or other things of value, to be held, used, and applied for its corporate purposes.

(16) To open accounts at financial institutions necessary for the conduct of its business and to invest any funds held in reserves or sinking funds, or any funds not required for immediate disbursement in such investments as may be provided in any financing document relating to the use of such funds, or, if not so provided, as the commission may determine, subject to compliance with state laws relative to investments by political subdivisions.

(17) To borrow money and issue bonds for any commission purpose.

(18) To enter contracts and agreements and execute all instruments necessary or convenient thereto for accomplishing the purposes of the commission.

(19) To enter into agreements with a public or private entity to construct, maintain, repair, or operate commission projects.

(20) To authorize the investment of public and private money to finance commission projects, subject to compliance with state law relative to use of public funds.

(21) To employ consultants, engineers, attorneys, accountants, construction and financial experts, superintendents, managers, and such other employees and agents necessary for the accomplishment of commission purposes and to fix their compensation.

(22) To do all acts and perform things necessary or convenient to execute the powers granted to the commission by law.

Acts 2009, No. 518, §1, eff. July 10, 2009.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:581 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 581
Officers of districts; treasurer's bond
Status: in_force

The officers of the governing authority of the parish in which the particular district is located are the officers of the district. They shall serve without extra compensation. Where a district is composed of territory located wholly within one parish, the parish treasurer's bond also covers and guarantees the faithful performance of his duties as treasurer of the district.

Where a district is composed of territory partly within two or more parishes, the officers of the governing authority of the parish furnishing the most territory are the officers of the district. The treasurer of a district lying partly within two or more parishes shall furnish a special bond to be fixed by the governing authority of the district for the faithful performance of his duties as such. The premium thereof shall be paid by the district.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:482 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 482
Contracts for making and repairing bridges
Status: in_force

Parish governing authorities may let out contracts for opening and repairing roads, making and repairing bridges, on the terms and conditions that they think most conducive to the public interest. However, they shall not make contracts for work exceeding in amount the funds in their treasury or the amount of taxes levied for that purpose.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:2162 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 2162
Conveyance of project; maintenance
Status: in_force

When the bonds issued for any project and the interest thereon have been paid in full, or sufficient funds have been deposited in trust for that purpose, and the project is in a condition which meets department standards for structural condition and geometric design and is in a condition of maintenance satisfactory to the department, said project and any property acquired for the project may be transferred by the commission in full ownership to the state of Louisiana. The department will assume jurisdiction and control of the project as a part of the state highway system, provided that the legislature authorizes an increase in mileage of the state highway system equal to the length of the commission project to be transferred. Any commission project transferred to and accepted by the department will be operated and maintained by the department as an integral part of the state highway system, and the department, in the discretion of its secretary, may continue to collect any toll or fee for the purpose of maintenance of the project.

Acts 2009, No. 518, §1, eff. July 10, 2009.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:2155 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 2155
Right of public agencies to material
Status: in_force

The commission created pursuant to this Chapter shall be subject to and fully comply with the Public Records Law, R.S. 44:1 et seq., and the Open Meetings Law, R.S. 42:11 et seq., of the state. All reports, maps, or other technical documents produced in whole or in part by the commission may be utilized by the commission or any other public agency in any manner that it deems necessary and advisable in the conduct of its duties.

Acts 2009, No. 518, §1, eff. July 10, 2009.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:390.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 390.1
Railroad grade crossing elimination; parish and municipal roads
Status: in_force

A.(1) The department is authorized to evaluate the need to close any public railroad grade crossing on a non-state maintained highway within the territorial jurisdiction of any local governing authority in compliance with federal guidelines pursuant to 23 USC 130, known as the Federal Railroad Crossing Safety Program. The department's evaluation shall be conducted in accordance with federal guidelines and Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 646 relative to railroad-highway projects.

(2) If the evaluation suggests that closure of a public grade crossing on a non-state maintained highway is necessary for safety and in the best interest of the public, the department shall encourage public participation in accordance with the following procedure:

(a) Provide written notice to the local governing authority with jurisdiction over the non-state maintained highway, the railroad company whose railroad tracks are crossed at grade by the highway, any and all affected persons owning land that is within a two-mile radius of the public grade crossing proposed to be closed, and any other party deemed by the department to be interested in the necessity to close a public grade crossing.

(b) The notice shall establish a set time period of not less than thirty days for the local governing authority, railroad, any and all affected persons owning land that is within a two-mile radius of the public grade crossing proposed to be closed, or other interested party to respond to the department.

(c) The department shall attempt to address concerns of the local governing authority, the railroad, any and all affected persons owning land that is within a two-mile radius of the public grade crossing proposed to be closed, or other interested party timely communicated to the department in writing or received at any public hearing held by the local governing authority relative to closure.

(3) Upon compliance with Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, if the department opines that closure of a public grade crossing satisfies the guidelines established by the Federal Railroad Crossing Safety Program, is necessary for safety and in the best interest of the public, the department is authorized to issue a notice of intent and written determination to close an existing public grade crossing on a non-state maintained highway, which determination will include a summary of findings, the manner in which such closure is to be made, and any alterations to be made to the crossing.

(4) The department shall mail a copy of the notice of intent and determination pursuant to Paragraph (3) of this Subsection to the local governing authority with jurisdiction over the non-state maintained highway and the railroad. The local governing authority may submit a written request to the chief engineer for reconsideration of the department's determination. A reconsideration request shall be postmarked within fifteen calendar days, excluding weekends and holidays, from the date of mailing of the notice. A rail safety reconsideration board composed of the secretary, the chief engineer, and the executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission shall consider the request and issue a final determination not later than fifteen calendar days, excluding weekends and holidays, of the date of receipt of the local governing authority's reconsideration request. The determination of the rail safety reconsideration board shall be final.

(5) Notwithstanding any provision of this Part or any other law to the contrary, when the department has finally determined that closure of a public grade crossing on a non-state maintained highway is necessary for the safety and in the best interest of the public, the public grade crossing on the non-state maintained highway shall be closed by cooperative action between the department and the railroad.

(6) Payment of costs to close a public grade crossing pursuant to a final closure determination pursuant to this Subsection shall not be an obligation of the local governing authority.

B. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, no provision of R.S. 48:390, this Section, or any action or omission of the department, railroad, or any local governing authority pursuant to 23 USC 130 shall impose liability of any nature upon the state of Louisiana or any agency or department thereof or constitute transfer or assumption of care, custody and control of the non-state maintained highway and public grade crossing by the state of Louisiana, or any department or agency thereof, particularly the Department of Transportation and Development, nor shall any action or omission of the department or any local governing authority be discoverable or admissible in any state court in Louisiana, and no record or document of the department or any local governing authority compiled or prepared pursuant to R.S. 48:390, this Section or 23 USC 130 shall be discoverable or admissible in any state court in Louisiana.

C. Nothing in this Section shall be construed as amending, repealing or modifying any duty or responsibility that a local governing authority or a railroad had, if any, immediately before August 15, 2005, with regard to any applicable state or federal law.

D. The department shall, no later than December 31, 2012, promulgate rules and regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act and subject to oversight of the House and Senate committees on transportation, highways, and public works, to implement the provisions of Subsection A of this Section, including but not limited to notice, whom to notify, methods of notice, and posting requirements.

Acts 2005, No. 347, §1; Acts 2012, No. 406, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:1656 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 1656
General powers
Status: in_force

The authority shall have all powers necessary or convenient to accomplish the aforesaid purposes, including but not limited to the following:

(1) The powers, privileges, and immunities authorized by law for private corporations and for instrumentalities of government. The authority shall be domiciled as provided in R.S. 48:1654 and may sue or be sued in its corporate name. The board may adopt and use a common seal for the authority and change it at its pleasure.

(2) The power to appoint, select, and employ officers, agents, and employees, including engineering, architectural, and construction experts, fiscal agents and attorneys, to contract for the services of individuals or organizations not employed full time by the authority but who are engaged primarily in the rendition of personal services and not the sale of goods or merchandise, including but not limited to the services of attorneys, accountants, engineers, architects, consultants, and advisors, allowing them suitable compensation. Except as provided in R.S. 48:1655(N), all personnel of the authority shall be employed in accordance with the constitutional provisions and rules and regulations pertaining to the state classified service and shall be eligible to participate in the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System.

(3) The power to acquire by lease as lessee, grant, gift, exchange, purchase or otherwise own, and use any franchise, servitude, real or personal property, tangible or intangible property, or any interest therein; and to sell, lease as lessor, transfer, or dispose thereof or exchange same for other property or rights which are useful for its purposes, provided, however, that the conveyance of such a franchise shall not result in competition with any private transit operator without consent of the affected local governing body, unless otherwise provided by law.

(4) The power to acquire by gift, purchase, lease as lessee, or otherwise, or to construct, improve, maintain, repair, operate, or administer any component parts of a mass transportation system, together as a system, or singly, or in groupings, as mass transportation projects, or to contract for the maintenance, operation, or administration thereof or to lease as lessor the same for maintenance, operation, or administration by private parties.

(5) The power to develop data, plans, and information and to develop and carry out mass transportation demonstration projects, including the development, testing, and demonstration of new facilities, equipment, techniques, and methods, and the improvement and utilization of transportation services and facilities, and any other means of developing, utilizing, or improving mass transportation in urban areas. Also, in other respects, the power to conduct engineering, financial and economic studies, to make plans, designs, and tests related to mass transportation projects. In connection therewith, the authority may enter in a reasonable manner upon any lands, waters, or premises for the purpose of making reasonable surveys, soundings, drillings, and examinations and such entries shall not be deemed a trespass except that the authority shall be liable for any actual and consequential damages resulting from such entries.

(6) The power to cooperate, participate, and coordinate with the federal government, or the state of Louisiana, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, or any municipal or parish governing body within the regional area or any agency, instrumentality thereof, or the regional planning commission or any similar joint agency, in the execution of any studies, plans, or projects designed for the coordination of its mass transportation system with other transportation in the regional area and with any comprehensive planning and development of the regional area.

(7) The power to acquire property, both real and personal, or rights of easement therein, or franchises necessary or convenient for the purposes of the authority, by gifts, purchase, lease as lessee, or contract.

(8) The power to make and execute all contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of the powers of the authority, including the power to contract for managerial and operating services, provided that management and labor attempt to resolve all contracts bilaterally before involving a mediator.

(9) The power to enter into contracts with the state of Louisiana and any agency, instrumentality, or authority thereof and with any of the parish and municipal governments within the territorial limits of the area served or to be served by the authority, for public transportation services to be rendered by the authority or its mass transportation system, and for any other purposes incidental to the establishment and maintenance of its mass transportation system, or any part or project thereof, including the payment of funds to subsidize the operations of such system if it should ever be necessary to do so, and the usual facilities related thereto. However, such subsidy by the state of Louisiana shall never exceed twenty percent of the total cost of such mass transportation system.

(10) The power to contract with any public utility, railroad or transportation company for the joint use of property or rights, or for the establishment of through routes, joint fares, or transfer of passengers.

(11) The power to apply for and accept grants or other assistance from the federal government or from any source whatever, to act as agent for the federal government, and to enter into contracts, loans, leases, or other transactions with the federal government.

(12) The power to borrow money from private lenders, including but not limited to, institutional lenders, financial institutions, and individuals, or from the federal government, or to the extent otherwise authorized by law, from the state of Louisiana or any local government within the metropolitan area, in such amounts as may be necessary for the purposes of the authority and, in connection therewith to issue negotiable notes, bonds, refunding bonds, and other evidences of indebtedness or obligations of the authority, and to secure the payment thereof, or any part thereof, by conventional mortgages or by pledge, or both, of its revenues, rentals, taxes and receipts, and to make such agreements with the purchasers or holders thereof, or with others in connection therewith, whether issued or to be issued as the board may deem advisable. However, the authority shall have no power in any manner to pledge the property, credit, or taxing power of any local government, nor shall any of its obligations be deemed to be obligations of any local government, nor shall any local government be liable for the payment of principal or interest on such obligations.

(13) The power to fix, alter, charge, and collect fares, rates, rentals, and other charges for its facilities by zones or otherwise at reasonable rates to be determined exclusively by the board, subject to judicial review as hereinafter provided.

(14) The power to make agreements with the federal government, the state of Louisiana, any agency, instrumentality or political subdivision thereof, for payments to the authority in lieu of fares for the transportation of personnel or other persons for whom such department, agency, instrumentality, or political subdivisions desires such transportation.

(15) The power to operate visitor tolls and rental areas, to levy and collect charges, tolls, fees, head taxes, or use taxes, or all of the preceding, to grant permits for admission to or for the use of its facilities, and to issue licenses and permits for motor buses and other passenger vehicles for hire to operate upon specified routes located exclusively within a parish or parishes in which the authority is operating a transit system or between fixed terminals located within parish or parishes in which the authority is operating a transit system, and to promulgate regulations governing the operation of such motor buses and other passenger vehicles for hire upon specified routes or between fixed terminals, as set forth above, including regulations governing the rates the public is to be charged for such operations, regulations promoting the safety of such operations, and regulations establishing the criteria for the issuance or denial of permits to provide such services, which criteria may include provisions for the limitation of services or service providers. However the authority shall have no power to issue licenses or permits for, or to promulgate regulations for the operation of motor buses or other passenger vehicles for hire which are used exclusively to transport passengers to and from the New Orleans International Airport.

(16) The power to mortgage properties constructed or acquired by the authority, and to mortgage and pledge any lease or leases and the rents, income, and other advantages arising out of any lease or leases granted, assigned, or subleased by the authority.

(17) The authority may provide by contract with the fiscal agents of the local governments within its jurisdiction for the collection of any tax or taxes authorized by law.

(18) The power to provide for police and fire protection having jurisdiction over the facilities of the authority; however, the board may contract for such services with municipalities or parishes, or both, or with private enterprise within its jurisdiction.

(19) The power to develop, build, and operate a mass transportation system between facilities operated by the authority, provide concessions through lease or purchase, off-street parking, including the acquisition of existing transit facilities which private enterprise no longer desires to operate but whose continuation the authority deems necessary in the public interest, and other facilities for the comfort, safety, and convenience of transit passengers.

(20) The authority shall have no power or authority to operate taxicabs, or facilities designed exclusively for the transportation of property for hire, nor sightseeing limousines and buses, or school buses, nor shall it engage in other activities commonly regarded as private enterprise, except to develop a transit system, provide concessions, off-street parking and other facilities for the comfort, safety and convenience of transit passengers, and otherwise accomplish the purpose and policies expressed and contemplated in this Act.

(21) The power to provide by contract, service to parishes or municipalities within parishes not represented in the authority at the request of such a parish or municipality, provided said extension is deemed by the authority to be not in conflict with the overall master plan of the authority.

(22) The authority shall not have powers to construct or operate a bridge or bridges across the Mississippi River.

(23) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, including the provisions of R.S. 45:161 et seq., the authority created herein and any entity contracted to manage or operate the authority shall not be deemed a "person" as defined in R.S. 45:162 or a "common carrier" as defined in R.S. 45:162, nor shall the authority or any entity contracted to manage or operate the authority be construed or interpreted to be such. Additionally, the authority and any entity contracted to manage or operate the authority shall not be deemed to be a common carrier or interpreted to be such by any court of this state in a suit for personal injury or property damage.

(24) - (26) Repealed by Acts 2025, No. 511, §2.

Added by Acts 1979, No. 439, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 1979; Acts 1984, No. 934, §1; Acts 1995, No. 735, §1; Acts 2010, No. 854, §1; Acts 2013, No. 273, §2, eff. July 1, 2013; Acts 2019, No. 264, §1, eff. June 30, 2019; Acts 2024, No. 474, §1; Acts 2025, No. 511, §§ 1, 2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:672 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 672
Issuance of bonds or certificates of indebtedness
Status: in_force

Where sufficient funds cannot be provided out of either the general or road funds of the parish, the parish governing authority may either issue bonds or certificates of indebtedness under existing laws for the purpose of constructing the roads.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:887 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 887
Contributions
Status: in_force

Any parish, in addition to the revenues which may be received from the sale of bridge revenue bonds and from the collection of tolls and other bridge revenues derived under the provisions of this Sub-part, may accept from any federal agency, any state or state agency, or any municipality or municipal agency, or other political subdivision, grants or advances, for or in the aid of construction or acquisition of any bridge or the payment of any bonds issued under this Sub-part.

The parish may also accept contributions and advances from any source of money, property, or other things of value to be held, used, and applied only for the purpose for which the grants, advances and contributions may be made, and the parish may contract for the repayment or return of such grants, advances and contributions.

Amended by Acts 1954, No. 664, §5.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:461.4 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 461.4
Recognition of customary uses
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Part, outdoor advertising shall be permitted in areas zoned industrial or commercial and in unzoned commercial and industrial areas as hereafter defined, including all land, buildings, or other structures controlled, owned, or operated by the state, or any political subdivision, or any public entity thereof, provided they are located in zoned or unzoned commercial or industrial areas and meet the size, lighting, and spacing requirements as set forth in the "Federal-State Agreement For Carrying Out National Policy Relative to Control of Outdoor Advertising in Areas Adjacent to the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways and the Federal-Aid Primary System", subject to the following regulations which are declared to be consistent with customary use in this state:

(1) Lighting

(a) No revolving or rotating beam or beacon of light that simulates any emergency light or device shall be permitted as part of any sign. Flashing red, green, or amber devices similar to traffic control devices shall not be permitted upon a sign. Illuminated signs, including marquees, electronic, and readerboard systems which are associated with a civic center, a convention center, a stadium, or an arena and which are used for advertisement shall be allowed, provided such signs comply with all other state and federal regulations.

(b) External lighting, such as flood lights, thin line and gooseneck reflectors are permitted, provided the light source is directed upon the face of the sign and is effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed into any portion of the main traveled way of the interstate or federal-aid primary highway.

(c) No sign shall be permitted to project into the direct line of vision of any official traffic control signal, from any point in a moving traffic lane of an interstate or federal-aid primary highway within six hundred sixty feet of and approaching such signal.

(2) Size of signs.

(a) For signs which are located within six hundred sixty feet of the nearest edge of the right of way on Interstate and Primary systems the maximum area of a sign face shall be twelve hundred square feet.

(b) All dimensions include border and trim, but exclude supports.

(c) Double-faced or V-type signs shall be considered one sign structure. Maximum size of signs shall apply to each face. Two signs shall be permitted in any facing provided that the total area of such facing shall not exceed twelve hundred square feet.

(d) The highest point of any sign, except a roof sign and as otherwise provided in this Paragraph, shall not extend more than sixty feet measured from either the ground level at its supports or the nearest edge of the main traveled way of the controlled highway, whichever is higher in elevation. However, the highest point of a sign may extend to a height of no more than one hundred feet only if the sign is placed and erected within three hundred feet of a sound barrier wall.

(3) Spacing of signs

(a) Signs shall conform to all applicable building codes and ordinances.

(b)(i) No two sign structures facing in the same direction subject to regulations under this Part shall be spaced less than one hundred fifty feet apart unless separated by a building, structure, or roadway, except that no outdoor advertising sign shall be permitted within one thousand feet of any other permitted outdoor advertising sign along, and on the same side of, an interstate highway, excluding official and "on premise" signs as defined in Section 131(c) of Title 23, United States Code.

(ii) Repealed by Acts 2004, No. 837, §2, eff. July 1, 2004.

(c) All signs are required to maintain the same set-back as other principal buildings and structures or the establishing building lines, whichever is less.

(d) No sign may be located in such a manner as to prevent the driver of a vehicle from having a clear, unobstructed view of official signs and approaching merging or intersecting traffic and driveways.

(4) "Commercial and industrial areas" consistent with zoning principles and standards applicable in this state, include: all land so zoned, all unzoned land within one thousand feet of any commercial or industrial activity other than outdoor advertising; all land lying within one thousand feet of any two such unzoned areas; and all other unzoned lands appropriate for outdoor advertising which are determined to be unzoned commercial or industrial areas by any court of this state.

(5) The following signs shall not be permitted:

(a) Signs which are obsolete.

(b) Signs which are illegal under state laws or regulations.

(c) Signs that are not clean and in good repair.

(d) Signs that are not securely affixed to a substantial structure.

(e) Signs which attempt or appear to attempt to regulate, warn, or direct the movement of traffic or which interfere with, imitate or resemble any official traffic sign, signal, or device.

(f) Signs which are erected or maintained upon trees or painted or drawn upon rocks or other natural features.

(g) Signs which are not consistent with the standards in this Part.

B. The department, however, is authorized to modify, vary or supplement the above restrictions if necessary to comply with the standards approved by the Congress of the United States and to insure that the department will receive the maximum amount of federal-aid funds as provided in the Federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965. 1

Acts 1966, No. 474, §1; Acts 1989, No. 382, §1, eff. June 30, 1989; Acts 1990, No. 6, §1, eff. June 4, 1990; Acts 1992, No. 101, §1, eff. June 5, 1992; Acts 1999, No. 651, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1091, §1; Acts 2004, No. 837, §§1, 2, eff. July 1, 2004.

1 23 U.S.C.A. §§131, 135, 136, 319.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:2084.5 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 2084.5
Public-private partnership projects; powers and duties of the private entity
Status: in_force

A. The private entity shall be authorized to develop or operate the qualifying transportation facility, impose user fees, and enter into service contracts in connection with the use of the transportation facility. No tolls or user fees may be imposed by the private entity on any existing free road or system of roads, bridge, tunnel, or overpass unless such road or system of roads, bridge, tunnel, or overpass is improved or expanded.

B. The private entity may own, lease, or acquire any other right to use or operate the qualifying transportation facility.

C. Subject to applicable permit requirements, the private entity shall have the authority to cross any canal or navigable water body so long as the crossing does not unreasonably interfere with the navigation and use of the waterway.

D. In operating the qualifying transportation facility, the private entity may determine reasonable categories for assessment of user fees and with the consent of the authority, make and enforce reasonable rules with respect to similar transportation facilities, including rules relating to toll enforcement.

E. The qualifying transportation facility may be granted certain characteristics typically incident to public ownership, including but not limited to exemption from property taxes and ad valorem taxes and relief from zoning restrictions.

F. The private entity shall do all of the following:

(1) Develop or operate the qualifying transportation facility in a manner which meets engineering standards of the authority and any responsible public entity in accordance with the terms of the comprehensive agreement.

(2) Keep the qualifying transportation facility open for use by the public at all times after its initial opening upon payment of the applicable user fees, lease payments, or service payments. The qualifying transportation facility may be temporarily closed due to emergencies or, with the consent of the authority and responsible public entity, may be closed to protect the safety of the public or for reasonable construction or maintenance procedures.

(3) Maintain, or provide by contract for the maintenance of, the qualifying transportation facility.

(4) Cooperate with the authority and responsible public entity to establish any interconnection with the qualifying transportation facility requested by the authority or responsible public entity.

(5) Comply with the provisions of the comprehensive agreement and any lease or service contract.

Acts 2006, No. 304, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:274 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 274
Roadside advertising permitted
Status: in_force

When private advertising services are not available because of federal or state regulations, the Department of Transportation and Development may provide such services through appropriate road signs or emblems at appropriate fees. The department may promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the provisions of this Section.

Added by Acts 1977, No. 642, §1; Acts 2006, No. 11, §5.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:1658 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 1658
Revenue bonds
Status: in_force

A. In borrowing money and as a grant of power in addition to other authority to issue bonds, the board is authorized to issue revenue bonds of the authority, with approval of the State Bond Commission, for any purpose within the rights and powers delegated to the authority.

B. The board is hereby authorized to pledge for the payment of the principal of and interest on such negotiable bonds the fares, fees, rental charges, and other income or revenue derived from the facilities and properties maintained and operated by the authority, and any gifts, grants, or contributions from any other sources whatsoever, including but not limited to other monies which by law or contract may be made available to the authority. The board shall prescribe the conditions and details of such bonds and, in addition to the pledges of income, revenues, and the like, payment of bonds of the authority may be further secured by either of the following, or both:

(1) A conventional mortgage upon any and all of the properties constructed or acquired, or to be constructed and acquired by it;

(2) The proceeds of taxes authorized to be imposed pursuant to this Chapter.

C. Such bonds shall be authorized and issued by a resolution of the board and shall be of such series, bear such date or dates, mature at such time or times not exceeding forty years from their respective dates, bear interest at such rate or rates not exceeding an amount which the board determines to be in the best public interest, payable semiannually, be in such denominations, be in such form, either coupon or fully registered without coupons, carry such registration and exchangeability privilege, be payable in such medium of payment and at such place or places, be subject to such terms of redemption not exceeding one hundred five percent of the principal amount thereof, and be entitled to such priorities on the income, revenues, and taxes of the authority as such resolution provides.

D. The bonds shall be signed by the president and secretary of the board of the authority, one of which signature may be a facsimile, and coupon bonds shall have attached to them interest coupons bearing the facsimile signatures of these officers of the authority. Any such bonds may be issued and delivered, notwithstanding that one or more of the officers signing the bonds or the officer or officers whose facsimile signature or signatures may be upon the coupons shall have ceased to be such officer or officers at the time the bonds actually are delivered.

E. Bonds issued under the provisions of this Chapter shall be sold for not less than par and accrued interest, to the highest bidder, at public sale after advertisement by the board at least once a week for three weeks, the first publication to be not less than twenty-one days prior to the date of sale in a newspaper of general circulation within the jurisdiction of the authority and also in a financial newspaper or journal published in the city of New York or the city of Chicago, reserving to the authority the right to reject any and all bids and to readvertise for bids. However bonds may be sold through negotiated or private sale if they are:

(1) Sold to the federal government or the state of Louisiana or any of their respective agencies or corporations, or

(2) Authorized to be sold through negotiated or private sale by a vote of two-thirds of the members of the State Bond Commission and by a vote of two-thirds of the members of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.

F. Prior to the preparation of definitive bonds the board may issue interim receipts, interim certificates, or temporary bonds exchangeable for definitive bonds upon the issuance of the latter.

G. In any resolution authorizing the issuance of such bonds the board may enter into such covenants with the future holder or holders of the bonds as to the management and operation of facilities, the lease or rental thereof, the imposition and collection of fees and charges for services and facilities furnished by the authority, the disposition of such fees and revenues, the issuance of future bonds and the creation of future liens and encumbrances against such facilities and the revenues therefrom, the carrying of insurance on the facilities, the keeping of books and records, and other pertinent matters, as may be deemed proper by the board to assure the marketability of the bonds, so long as such covenants are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Chapter.

Any holder of the bonds or any of the coupons thereto attached may by appropriate legal action compel performance of all duties required of the authority and officials of the authority by this Chapter.

H. If any bond issued under the provisions of this Chapter is permitted to go into default as to principal or interest, any court of competent jurisdiction may, pursuant to the application of the holder of the bond, appoint a receiver for the facilities of the authority, which receiver shall be under the duty of operating the facilities and collecting and distributing the revenues thereof pledged to the payment of the bonds, pursuant to the provisions and requirements of this Chapter and the resolution authorizing the bonds.

I. Such bonds, in the discretion of the board, may be additionally secured by conventional mortgage on all or any part of the properties or facilities acquired, constructed, extended, or improved with the proceeds thereof, and the board shall have full discretion to make such provisions as it sees fit for the making and enforcement of such mortgage and the provisions to be therein contained.

If more than one series of bonds issued under the provisions of this Chapter is payable from the revenues of any facility, priority of lien on such revenues shall depend on the time of delivery of the bonds, each series enjoying a lien prior and superior to that enjoyed by any series of bonds subsequently delivered, except that where provision is made in the proceedings authorizing any issue or series of bonds for the issuance of additional bonds in the future on a parity therewith pursuant to procedure or restrictions provided in such proceedings, additional bonds may be issued in the future on a parity with such issue or series in the manner so provided in such proceedings. As to any issue or series of bonds which may be authorized as a unit but delivered from time to time in blocks, the board may, in the proceedings authorizing the issuance of the bonds, provide that all of the bonds of the series or issue shall be coequal as to lien, regardless of the time of delivery.

J. The board may issue bonds of the authority under the provisions of this Chapter payable from the revenues to be derived from any facility owned and operated by the authority, whether or not the facilities are related or used in conjunction, for the purpose of constructing, acquiring, extending, or improving any one or more of the facilities. Such bonds may be additionally secured by a conventional mortgage upon such facilities and any taxes authorized to be imposed hereunder.

K. The board is hereby authorized to provide by resolution for the issuance of refunding bonds of the authority for the purpose of refunding outstanding bonds issued pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter. Such refunding bonds either may be sold and the proceeds applied to or deposited in escrow for the retirement of the outstanding bonds or may be delivered in exchange for the outstanding bonds. The refunding bonds shall be authorized in all respects as original bonds as herein required to be authorized, and in authorizing the refunding bonds of the authority the board shall provide for the security of the bonds, for the sources from which the bonds are to be paid, and for the rights of the holders thereof in all respects as herein provided for other bonds issued under authority of this Chapter. The board also may provide that the refunding bonds shall have the same priority of lien on the revenues pledged for their payment as was enjoyed by the bonds refunded. No bonds may be refunded hereunder unless they either mature or are callable for redemption under their terms within ten years from the date of issuance of the refunding bonds, or unless the bidders thereof voluntarily surrender them for exchange or payment.

L. The board is hereby authorized to provide in the resolution authorizing the issuing of bonds under the provisions of this Chapter that such bonds shall recite that they are issued under authority of this Chapter. Such recital shall conclusively import full compliance with all of the provisions of this Chapter, and all bonds issued containing such recital shall be incontestable for any cause whatsoever after their delivery for value after thirty days after the date of publication of the resolution authorizing their issuance.

M. No proceedings in respect to the issuance of any such bonds shall be necessary except such as are contemplated by this Chapter. For a period of thirty days from the date of publication of the resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds hereunder, any person or persons in interest shall have the right to contest the legality of the resolution and the legality of the bond issue for any cause, after which time no one shall have any cause or right of action to contest the legality of said resolution or of the bonds authorized thereby for any cause whatsoever. If no suit, action, or proceedings are begun to contest the validity of the bonds within the thirty days herein prescribed, the authority to issue the bonds and to provide for the payment thereof, the legality thereof and of all of the provisions of the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds shall be conclusively presumed, and no court shall have authority to inquire into such matters. Such bonds shall have the qualities of negotiable instruments under the law merchant and the commercial laws of the state of Louisiana.

N. Upon the payment in full of the principal of and interest on all bonds of the authority issued by the board under the provisions of this Chapter and secured by all or any portion of any tax or other source of income or revenue authorized herein, or upon the irrevocable deposit of sufficient funds for the payment and redemption of all such bonds in principal, interest and redemption premiums, if any, to their respective maturity or call dates, the levy of any such tax shall be discontinued and terminated. If no bonds of the authority have been issued by the board which are secured by all or part of the proceeds of any such tax, the tax may be terminated at any time by resolution of the board and, in the absence of a resolution terminating it, it shall terminate automatically five years after the date of adoption of the resolution imposing the tax.

O. The board may pledge all or any part of the proceeds of any tax to the payment of bonds authorized pursuant to this Chapter under such terms and conditions consistent with the provisions of this Chapter as the board may prescribe and as are contained in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such bonds.

P. When any bonds shall have been issued hereunder which are secured by all or any portion of any tax, neither the legislature, the authority, nor any other power may discontinue or decrease the tax or permit the tax to be discontinued or decreased in anticipation of the collection of which such bonds have been issued, or in any way make any change in the allocation and dedication of the proceeds of such tax which would diminish the amount of tax revenues to be received by the authority until all of such bonds have been retired as to principal and interest and irrevocable provisions otherwise made for their complete redemption and payment in principal and interest and redemption premium, if any.

Q. Prior to the issuance of any bonds hereunder, any revenue of the authority derived from any source whatsoever, including the tax authorized herein, may be used by the authority for the payment of any expenses incurred in determining the feasibility of a facility or facilities or any aspects of the authority's operation and developing plans therefor, including engineering, architectural, legal, and administrative costs and fees incidental thereto. It shall be incumbent upon the authority to pay only such fees and such amounts as are current in the market at the time of the sale in such a manner as to assure that the public interest has been protected.

R. The Authority shall invest its idle funds in accordance with the Investment of Idle Funds Act; however, such idle funds as the authority determines to invest in banks shall be invested on a pro rata basis in all banks within the jurisdiction of the authority.

Added by Acts 1979, No. 439, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 1979; Acts 1984, No. 934, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:451.13 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 451.13
Swearing of jurors; selection of foreman
Status: in_force

When the jury has been accepted by all parties, the jurors shall be sworn to try the case in a just and impartial manner, to the best of their judgment, and to render a verdict according to the law and the evidence. When the jury has retired, the jurors shall select a foreman to preside over them and sign the verdict which they may render.

Acts 1974, Ex.Sess., No. 30, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1975.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:27 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 27
Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicles
Status: in_force

A. Short title. This Section shall be known and cited as the "Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle Act".

B. Legislative findings and determinations. (1) The Legislature of Louisiana hereby finds and determines that the rapid growth of the economy of this state has prompted new and ever-increasing uses of public highways, roads, and other transportation infrastructure, and it is critical to the well-being and quality of life of the citizens of this state that the state address, on an accelerated basis, the long-term transportation needs of this state. The Legislature of Louisiana further determines that current transportation funding mechanisms do not provide adequate revenues to keep pace with the increasing demands of the state's transportation system.

(2) By utilizing revenue anticipation bonds for the financing of state transportation projects that may be financed, in whole or in part, with federal transportation funds, a significant amount of up-front revenues can be generated for such transportation projects. This will enable the design and construction of transportation projects on an accelerated basis. Utilizing revenue anticipation bonds to finance federal-aid transportation projects and state transportation projects will result in significant cost savings to the state, since such transportation projects can be completed at present day costs and at an accelerated pace.

(3) The Legislature of Louisiana further finds and declares that the bonds authorized herein constitute revenue bonds as provided in Article VII, Section 6 of the Constitution and the payment of the bonds with the amounts authorized herein is permitted under Article VII, Section 27 of the Constitution as part of the department's program for state highway construction.

(4) It is hereby determined that the issuance of the bonds and the program as herein authorized are in all respects public and governmental purposes for the improvement of the health, safety, welfare, comfort, and security of the people of the state, and that said purposes are public purposes and that the State Bond Commission on behalf of the state of Louisiana will be performing an essential governmental function and meeting a public obligation in the exercise of the powers conferred upon it by this Section.

C. Definitions. Whenever used in this Section, unless a different meaning clearly appears in the context, the following terms shall mean the following:

(1) "Bonds" means bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness.

(2) "Constitution" means the Louisiana Constitution of 1974.

(3) "Department" means the Department of Transportation and Development.

(4) "Federal transportation funds" means funds paid or reimbursed to the department by the United States Department of Transportation including, without limitation, future Federal Highway Administration obligational authority or Federal Highway Administration reimbursement funds and any other monies payable under Title 23 of the United States Code, as amended.

(5) "Qualified federal-aid transportation project" means any project to be constructed, in whole or in part, with monies appropriated out of the Transportation Trust Fund, Article VII, Section 27 of the Constitution of Louisiana, including but not limited to a new bridge across the Mississippi River connecting Louisiana Highway 1 to Louisiana Highway 30.

(6) "State" means the state of Louisiana.

(7) "State Bond Commission" means the State Bond Commission of the state, acting on behalf of the state.

(8) "State matching funds" means fees, rates, rentals, taxes, tolls, charges, grants, or other receipts or income derived by or in connection with a transportation project or undertaking, other than federal transportation funds, that may be used by the department to pay the costs of any qualified federal-aid transportation projects or state transportation projects.

(9) "State transportation project" means any state transportation project other than the projects enumerated in Act No. 16 of the 1989 First Extraordinary Session of the Louisiana Legislature, including but not limited to a new bridge across the Mississippi River connecting Louisiana Highway 1 to Louisiana Highway 30.

D. Power to issue bonds; repayment; principal amount of bonds. (1)(a) The State Bond Commission, or its successor, on behalf of the state, is hereby authorized to issue bonds for the purpose of financing any qualified federal-aid transportation project or state transportation project, including but not limited to a new bridge across the Mississippi River connecting Louisiana Highway 1 to Louisiana Highway 30, secured by a pledge of and payable from any of the following:

(i) State matching funds, if any, that are appropriated on an annual basis for such purpose by the state.

(ii) Federal transportation funds maintained in a separate identifiable fund or account outside of the state treasury as provided in Subparagraph (2)(a) of this Subsection.

(iii) Any proceeds of such bonds and any earnings from the investment of such bond proceeds pledged for such purpose.

(iv) Other revenues, funds, or other security, if any, pledged or appropriated for such purpose under state law.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this Section to the contrary, revenue anticipation bonds shall not be issued or projects funded without the prior approval of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.

(c) The bonds authorized herein are hereby declared to constitute revenue bonds as provided in Article VII, Section 6 of the Constitution of Louisiana.

(d) The proceeds of bonds, including any premium received on the sale thereof, shall be used to pay costs of any qualified federal-aid transportation project or state transportation project plus an amount for issuance costs, capitalized interest, reserve funds, and other financing expenses, including, without limitation, any original issue discount and the proceeds of bonds may be used together with any federal, local, or private funds which may be made available for such purpose.

(e) The aggregate amount of principal and interest on all bonds issued pursuant to Subsection D of this Section that are scheduled to be paid during any given fiscal year, determined as of the date of issuance of each series of bonds, shall not exceed ten percent of annual obligational authority to the department of federal transportation funds in accordance with the provisions of Title 23 of the United States Code.

(2)(a) The portion of the principal of and interest on the bonds and the costs associated with the issuance and administration of such bonds that may be paid from federal transportation funds pursuant to federal law and any agreement between the United States Department of Transportation and the department hereinafter referred to in this Paragraph as "the federal share of principal, interest, and costs", shall be paid from federal transportation funds. In accordance with the provisions of Article VII, Section 9(A)(6) of the Constitution, there is hereby established a special fund for the purpose of providing for the securitization of any bonds which may be issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section which shall include requirements for reserves and credit enhancement devices, all as may be provided in any resolution, trust agreement, indenture, or other instrument pursuant to which the bonds were issued. The fund shall be administered by a trustee as designated by the State Bond Commission. The source of monies in the fund shall be the federal transportation funds. Federal transportation funds, up to the amount necessary to pay principal and interest on the bonds, all costs of issuance, any requirement for reserves, or credit enhancement devices shall be set aside in a separate identifiable fund or account outside of the state treasury but maintained by the state treasury and the revenues shall be assigned and pledged to the trustee under the documents pursuant to which the bonds were issued for the benefit of the bondholders. After satisfaction of all requirements of this Section, federal transportation funds received by the state shall be available for any other purposes.

(b) If federal transportation funds are not sufficient to pay the federal share of principal, interest, and costs when due, the state may temporarily pay the federal share of principal, interest, and costs with state matching funds that the state has appropriated for this purpose in accordance herewith.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, any state matching funds paid under Subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph may, if required by the original state appropriation, be reimbursed for the amount of monies in the fund used in accordance with Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph from federal transportation funds that the state determines are not needed in the future to pay the federal share of principal, interest, and costs.

E. Resolutions; trust agreement, publication; peremption. The State Bond Commission shall authorize the bonds by a resolution or resolutions adopted by the State Bond Commission. However, the State Bond Commission shall not authorize the issuance of bonds pursuant to this Section unless such bonds and the projects to be funded by them have been previously approved by the House Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works and the Senate Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works. The bonds issued pursuant to this Section may also be secured by a trust agreement by and between the State Bond Commission and one or more corporate trustees or fiscal agents which may be any trust company or bank having the powers of a trust company within or outside the state. The state treasurer may enter into a collection agreement with the trustee to provide for the collection of federal transportation funds. Such resolution or trust agreement may provide that the trustee bank shall hold the proceeds of the bond pending expenditure for projects as approved by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget. The State Bond Commission after authorizing the issuance of bonds by resolution shall publish once in the official journal of the state, as provided by law, a notice of intention to issue the bonds, which notice shall include a description of the bonds and the security therefor. Within thirty days after the publication, any person in interest may contest the legality of the resolution, any provision of the bonds to be issued pursuant to it, the provision securing the bonds, and the validity of all other provisions and proceedings relating to the authorization and issuance of the bonds. If no action or proceeding is instituted within the thirty days, no person may contest the validity of the bonds, the provisions of the resolution pursuant to which the bonds were issued, the security of the bonds, or the validity of any other provisions or proceedings relating to their authorization and issuance, and the bonds shall be presumed conclusively to be legal. Thereafter no court shall have authority to inquire into such matters.

F. Financial obligations subject to appropriation. Any bond issued in accordance with this Section shall constitute a contract between the state of Louisiana and the owner or holder thereof. In no event shall any decision by the state not to appropriate state matching funds in any given fiscal year for the payment of such bonds or any costs associated with the issuance and administration for such bonds be construed to constitute an action impairing such contract. Every contract entered into by the State Bond Commission pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall provide that all state matching fund obligations of the state under such contracts are subject to appropriation on an annual basis by the state and that such contracts do not constitute or create debt of the state, within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory provisions whatsoever, and neither the full faith or credit nor the taxing power of the state is pledged to the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or the interest on the bonds. In addition, bonds issued by the State Bond Commission on behalf of the state pursuant to the provisions of this Section and every contract relating to the issuance of such bonds shall provide that all financial obligations of the state in regard to the portion of the principal of and interest on such bonds and the costs associated with the issuance and administration of such bonds that may be paid from federal transportation funds pursuant to federal law and any agreement between the United States Department of Transportation and the department are subject to continuing federal appropriations of federal transportation funds at a level equal to or greater than the amount needed to pay the federal share of principal, interest, and costs on the bonds.

G. Pledges. Any pledge made by the State Bond Commission pursuant to this Section shall be valid and binding from the time the pledge is made. The revenues, securities, and other monies so pledged and then held or thereafter received by the state or any fiduciary shall immediately be subject to the lien of such pledge without any physical delivery thereof or further act, and the lien of any such pledge shall be valid and binding as against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract, or otherwise against the State Bond Commission whether or not such parties have notice thereof. Neither the resolution nor any trust agreement by which a pledge is created need be filed or recorded except in the official minutes of the State Bond Commission.

H.(1) Certain details of the bonds. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the bonds shall be of such series, bear such date or dates, be serial or term bonds, mature at such time or times no later than thirty years from their date, bear interest at such fixed, variable, or adjustable rate or rates payable on such date or dates, be in such denomination, be in such form, carry such registration and exchangeability provisions, be payable in such medium of payment and at such place or places, be subject to such terms of redemption, and be entitled to such priorities on the amounts pledged to secure the bonds as the resolution or trust agreement authorizing or securing such bonds may provide. The bonds may be additionally secured by municipal bond insurance, bank guarantees, surety bonds, letters of credit, lines of credit, or other devices to enhance the credit quality of the bonds, or any combination thereof, as the State Bond Commission determines.

(2) Sale of bonds. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the bonds shall be sold by the State Bond Commission in such manner, upon such terms and at such prices, at public or negotiated sale, as is determined by the State Bond Commission to be in the best interest of the state. If the State Bond Commission determines to sell the bonds at public sale, notice of such sale upon sealed proposals shall be published at least once not less than seven days prior to the date of such sale in a publication carrying municipal bond notices and devoted primarily to financial news or to the subject of state and municipal bonds, of general circulation in the city of New York, New York, and in a newspaper of general circulation published in either the city of New Orleans or the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

(3) Execution of bonds. The bonds shall be executed in the name of the State Bond Commission by the manual or facsimile signatures of the official or officials authorized by the State Bond Commission. If any officer whose manual or facsimile signature appears on any bond ceases to be such officer before the delivery of such bonds, such signature nevertheless shall be valid and sufficient for all purposes as if he had remained in office until such delivery. The resolution or trust agreement may provide for authentication of the bonds by the trustee or fiscal agent thereunder.

(4) Nonliability of officers. The members of the board, the officers, or employees of the State Bond Commission, or any other person executing the bonds of the State Bond Commission shall not be personally liable for the bonds or be subject to any personal liability or accountability by reason of the issuance, sale, and delivery thereof while acting within the scope of their authority.

(5) Purchase of bonds. The State Bond Commission shall have power to purchase its bonds out of any funds available therefor under the resolution or trust agreement authorizing or securing such bonds.

(6) Negotiability of bonds. All bonds issued pursuant to this Section shall be and are hereby made negotiable instruments within the meaning of and for all the purposes of the negotiable instrument laws of the state, subject only to the provisions of the bonds for registration.

(7) Tax exemption and eligibility for investment. All bonds and the income therefrom shall be exempt from taxation by the state and by parishes, municipalities, or any political subdivision thereof. The bonds shall be legal and authorized investments for banks, savings banks, insurance companies, homestead and building and loan associations, trustees, and other fiduciaries and may be used for deposit with any officer, board, municipality, or other political subdivision of the state, in any case where, by present or future law, deposit of security is required.

(8) Remedies of bondholders. The holders of any bonds issued hereunder shall have such rights and remedies as may be provided in the resolution or trust agreement authorizing the issuance of the bonds, including but not by way of limitation appointment of a trustee for bondholders, and any other available civil action to compel compliance with the terms and provisions of the bonds and the resolution or trust agreement.

(9) Covenants with bondholders. The State Bond Commission is further authorized to enter into such covenants and agreements with the owners of the bonds or the providers of any credit enhancement devices or derivative products as may be deemed necessary or desirable to ensure the marketability of the bonds upon a finding by the State Bond Commission that such covenants and agreements are necessary or desirable and such finding shall constitute conclusive authority to enter into such covenants and agreements.

(10) Approval of fees. All fees, expenses, and costs, including sales commission, underwriting liability fees, management fees, attorney fees, and all other general and legal costs of issuance and credit support costs associated with the issuance of said bonds shall be subject to prior review and written approval by the attorney general and the State Bond Commission before the issuance of the bonds. The State Bond Commission may pay all fees, expenses, and commissions that the State Bond Commission deems necessary or advantageous in connection with the sale of bonds from the proceeds of any bonds.

(11) Proceeds and revenues to be deposited in separate funds. Subject to agreements with the holders of bonds, all proceeds of bonds and all revenues pledged under a resolution or trust agreement authorizing or securing such bonds shall be deposited and held in trust in a fund or funds separate and apart from all other funds of the state. Subject to the resolution or trust agreement, the trustee shall hold the same for the benefit of the holders of the bonds for the application and disposition thereof solely to the respective uses and purposes provided in such resolution or trust agreement.

(12) Complete authority. This Section does and shall be construed to provide a complete method for the doing of the things authorized hereby. No proceedings, notice, or approval shall be required for the issuance of any bonds or of any instruments or security therefor or any credit enhancement except as provided herein and the bonds issued hereunder shall not be included in the calculation of net state tax supported debt as defined in R.S. 39:1367 unless the bonds are served by a state appropriation as set forth in a cooperative endeavor agreement. The provisions of this Section shall be liberally construed for the accomplishment of its purposes.

I. Additional authority. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the lien of the pledge and security interest on any bond proceeds shall not affect the authority of the department to enter into contracts for the design and construction of any qualified federal-aid transportation project.

J. Powers. The powers conferred by this Section shall be in addition and supplemental to, and not in substitution for, and the limitations imposed by this Section shall not directly or indirectly modify, limit, or affect, the powers conferred to the department or the State Bond Commission by any other law.

Acts 2002, No. 46, §1, eff. June 25, 2002; Acts 2015, No. 358, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:2033 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 2033
Contracts; construction and law enforcement
Status: in_force

A. All contracts of an authority for the construction, improvement, repair, or maintenance of any project shall be made and awarded under the same conditions, terms, requirements, and provisions as are provided by law with respect to contracts of the state for state-designated projects, or a parish for parish-related projects, or a municipality for municipal-related projects. In the making and awarding of such contracts, the authority shall be under the same duties and responsibilities with respect thereto as are now imposed by law, from time to time, including Part XIII of Chapter 1 of this Title, relative to the awarding of contracts for public works, provided that all contracts of an authority for the construction, improvement, repair, or maintenance of any state-designated project shall be made and awarded under the same conditions, terms, requirements, and provisions as are now provided for with respect to contracts of the department, and in the making and awarding of such contracts, the authority shall be under the same duties and responsibilities with respect thereto as are now imposed upon the department, including Part II of Chapter 10 of Title 38 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended.

B. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, an authority may contract with a private entity to provide services for design, cost estimate, feasibility studies, operations, management, and construction management services, provided that any contract awarded for such services shall be awarded only after the authority drafts and uses a request for proposal seeking proposals from qualified providers. Notice of such request for proposals shall be published twice, once a week for two weeks, in the official journal of the authority and once in at least one trade journal. Such notice shall give a brief description of the services sought where a complete request for proposal form may be obtained and the deadline for response to the proposal, which shall be no less than thirty days from the last publication in the official journal. Nothing in this Subsection shall be construed to allow contracts for the construction, improvement, repairs, or maintenance of tollways to be awarded in any manner other than as set forth in Subsection A.

C. Any authority created hereunder shall contract with either the state police, a law enforcement district, or municipal law enforcement agency for law enforcement and patrol functions.

Acts 1997, No. 1017, §1, eff. July 11, 1997.
La. Rev. Stat. § 48:387 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 48 / Section 387
Contributions by the Department of Highways to the maintenance of flashing light signals at railroad crossings; conditions
Status: in_force

The Department of Transportation and Development may, to the extent that the legislature appropriates funds therefor, make payments to railroads, whose railroad grade crossings across state highways are or shall hereafter be marked by the installation of flashing light signals, for not more than one-half the cost of maintenance of such flashing light signals during the fiscal year for which the funds are appropriated.

Added by Acts 1966, No. 511, §1. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 291, §1.