reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1606. Fares; rates; rentals and charges

RS 48:1606 - Fares; rates; rentals and charges
A. The board shall fix fares, rates, and rentals and charges in such amounts as shall be sufficient in the aggregate, when added to any other grants or funds available to the authority, to provide funds for the payment of the interest on and principal of all bonds, certificates and other obligations payable from said revenues and to meet all other encumbrances upon such revenues as provided by any agreement executed by the authority in connection with the issuance of bonds or certificates under this Act, and for the payment of all operating costs and expenses which shall be incurred by the authority, including provision for appropriate reserves.
B. The term "charges" shall include revenues from contracts with local governments within the area under which the authority has agreed to render for them the public transportation service.
C. The board shall determine after public hearings as hereinafter provided, the routes, types of constructions, equipment, facilities, and the scope and standards of service to be operated by the authority, the scheduled services to be made available to the public and the amounts to be charged therefor. Before making any determinations as to scheduled services or amounts to be charged therefor, the board shall first hold at least one public hearing after giving notice of the time and place by advertising three times on different days in at least the newspaper having the largest paid circulation in the area not more than ten days nor less than five days prior to the hearings. As to all other matters, the board may hold such public hearings as it may deem appropriate, and as to all public hearings, it may prescribe reasonable rules and regulations to govern such hearings not inconsistent with this Chapter.
D. Prior to determining the basic routes over which the authority shall operate its system and stations connected therewith, the board shall consult with the local governing body of the territory involved, and, additionally, shall hold at least one public hearing within the territory of each local government within the area, at which hearing the local governing body, or its representative, and the public may be heard.
Added by Acts 1976, No. 638, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1608. Equipment trust certificates

RS 48:1608 - Equipment trust certificates
The board shall have continuing power to purchase equipment, and in connection therewith execute agreements, leases or equipment trust certificates in the form customarily used and appropriate to effect such purchase. The board may issue equipment trust certificates in a manner similar to that provided for bonds under Section 1607. All money required to be paid by the authority under the provisions of such agreements, leases and equipment trust certificates shall be payable solely from the fares, fees, rentals, charges, revenues and earnings of the authority, monies derived from the sale of any surplus property of the authority and gifts, grants and contributions from any source whatever. Payment for such equipment or rentals therefrom, may be made in installments; the deferred installments may be evidenced by equipment trust certificates payable solely from the aforesaid revenues or receipts, and title to such equipment may or may not vest in the authority until the equipment trust certificates are paid.
Added by Acts 1976, No. 638, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1609. Eminent domain

RS 48:1609 - Eminent domain
The authority shall have no power of eminent domain, but the parishes may, for purposes of the authority, exercise the broadest power of eminent domain available to them or any agency or joint agency thereof, under any statute, and convey to the authority any property so acquired upon payment or credit for the total cost of any acquisition hereunder. However, no local governing body shall exercise any power of eminent domain hereunder with respect to property located beyond its territorial limits.
Added by Acts 1976, No. 638, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1610. Competitive bidding

RS 48:1610 - Competitive bidding
A. Except in the acquisition of unique property, all purchases, acquisitions, contracts, leases, bond sales, etc., of the authority referred to in the provisions of this Chapter shall be conducted in accordance with the public bid laws of this state where an expenditure in excess of one thousand dollars is involved.
B. The authority may dispose of property by contract as provided for herein. Property shall be sold only to the highest responsible bidder only after the property has been advertised for disposition once a week for two successive weeks in the newspaper having the largest paid circulation in the parish in which the property is located and in the parish where the board is domiciled. The advertisement shall accurately describe the property to be sold, shall name the place where the property is located or otherwise available for public inspection and the place, date, and time, that the bids shall be publicly presented, opened and read. All such bids shall be opened and read on the same day presented.
Added by Acts 1976, No. 638, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1611. Conflict of interest

RS 48:1611 - Conflict of interest
A. Every member of the board and every employee of the board or the authority who knowingly has any interest direct or indirect in any contract to which the authority is or is about to become a party, or in any other business of the authority, or in any firm or corporation doing business with the authority, shall make full disclosure of such interest to the board and, if a board member, to his appointing authority. Failure to disclose such an interest shall constitute cause for which a board member may be removed by the appointing power, or an employee discharged or otherwise disciplined at the discretion of the board.
B. Provisions of Parts I and II of Chapter 15 of Title 42 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 19501, regulating the conduct of public employees shall be applicable to the conduct of its board members, officers, employees and agents of the authority.
C. Any contract or transaction of the authority involving a conflict of interest not disclosed under Subsection A hereof, or a violation of any other provision of law applicable to the authority, its board members, officers, or employees regulating conflicts of interest, shall be voidable by the board provided such action does not adversely affect the interest of innocent third parties. It is expressly provided, however, that this provision shall not apply to any indenture, agreement, contract or transaction which constitutes security, direct or indirect, for the payment of bonds or other obligations of the authority and the judgment and order confirming and validating any such bonds or other obligations as provided for in Section 15072 hereof, shall constitute a final and conclusive adjudication as to any such security.
Added by Acts 1976, No. 638, §1.
1Sections 1101 and 1111 et seq.
2Should probably be 1607.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1612. Financial accounts; audits; reports

RS 48:1612 - Financial accounts; audits; reports
The board shall make provision for a system of financial accounting and controls, audits and reports. Copies of each financial report required under this Section shall be furnished to each local governing body in the area. All financial reports, reports and documents of the authority shall be public records and open to public inspection under reasonable regulations prescribed by the board and other applicable law.
Added by Acts 1976, No. 638, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1613. Budgets; procedures

RS 48:1613 - Budgets; procedures
A. The board shall make provisions for an annual operating budget and an annual capital improvements budget. Copies of each budget, proposed or as finally adopted, shall be furnished to each local governing body in the area.
B. During each fiscal year the board shall propose an annual operating budget and an annual capital improvements budget for the ensuing fiscal year and hold a public hearing thereon. After such public hearing the board shall review its proposed budgets, and on or before the last day of the fiscal year, it shall adopt an annual operating budget and an annual capital improvements budget for the ensuing fiscal year.
Added by Acts 1976, No. 638, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1614. Tax and regulatory exemptions

RS 48:1614 - Tax and regulatory exemptions
A. 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. The income therefrom shall be exempt from taxation of any type by the state of Louisiana and by any parish, municipality or political subdivision of the 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, nor shall it apply 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 thereof, but its books and records shall be subject to audit annually by the legislative auditor.
Added by Acts 1976, No. 638, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1616. Taxing power

RS 48:1616 - Taxing power
The authority is hereby authorized to participate in any new or additional tax related to transit and/or transportation that may be imposed in the future by the state legislature, provided, however, that the proceeds from said statewide tax will be prorated to all parishes in the state on a population formula for use by said parishes for transit and/or transportation purposes.
Added by Acts 1976, No. 638, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1652. Declaration of policy

RS 48:1652 - Declaration of policy
The area comprising the parishes of Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, St. Bernard, and other parishes, has developed and continues to develop into a metropolitan area with a common interest in the cultural, social, and economic well-being of the people therein and the development of the educational, commercial, and industrial resources thereof. There exist in this metropolitan area serious traffic conditions and congestions and serious mass transportation problems which impede and will increasingly impede the development of these common interests toward their fullest potential. Concerted governmental action is needed to alleviate such traffic conditions and congestion, correct deficiencies in mass transportation, coordinate and balance the transportation facilities operating therein, and otherwise provide a sounder basis for the development of traffic patterns and control. The development of a mass transportation system through a joint instrumentality of the local governments within the metropolitan area is a reasonable approach to the aforesaid needs and problems. The cultural, social, and economic well-being of the people in the metropolitan area and the development of the educational, commercial, and industrial resources thereof are matters of public interest and concern throughout the state. Accordingly, it is the public policy of this state, as a matter of public health, safety, convenience, and welfare, to promote the establishment of such a joint instrumentality, encourage participation therein by the local governments involved, facilitate the accomplishment of its purposes, and bring about solutions to the aforesaid needs and problems.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 439, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 1979.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1654. Creation, organization, and purpose

RS 48:1654 - Creation, organization, and purpose
A. There is hereby created the Regional Transit Authority, subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth, which shall be a body politic and corporate and a political subdivision of the state of Louisiana comprising all of the territory in the parishes of Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, and St. Tammany, or of such of the aforesaid or other parishes as elect to participate in the authority. The domicile of the authority shall be the parish of Orleans, but may be situated in one of the other participating parishes but only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total weighted vote of the authority.
B. The purpose for which the authority is created is to plan, design, lease as lessee, purchase, acquire, hold, own, construct, improve, have an equity in, finance, maintain, and administer a transit system within the metropolitan area to operate same or contract therefor, lease as lessor same for operation by private parties.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 439, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 1979.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1657. Fares, rates, rentals, and charges

RS 48:1657 - Fares, rates, rentals, and charges
A. The board shall fix such fares, rates, rentals, and charges in such amounts as shall be sufficient in the aggregate when added to any other grants or funds available to the authority, to provide funds for the payment of the interest on and principal of all bonds, certificates, and other obligations payable from said revenues, and to meet all other encumbrances upon such revenues as provided by any agreement executed by the authority in connection with the issuance of bonds or certificates under this Chapter, and for the payment of all operating costs and expenses which shall be incurred by the authority, including provisions for appropriate reserves.
B. The term "charges" shall include revenues from contracts with the local governments within the metropolitan area under which the authority has agreed to render for them the public transportation service.
C. The board shall determine by itself exclusively, but after public hearings as hereinafter provided, the routes, types of construction, equipment, facilities, and the scope and standards of service to be operated by the authority, the scheduled services to be made available to the public and the amounts to be charged therefor. Before making any determinations as to scheduled services or amounts to be charged therefor, the board first shall hold at least one public hearing after giving notice of the time and place by twice advertising on different days in the newspaper having the largest circulation in the regional area not more than ten days nor less than five days prior to the hearings. As to all other matters, the board may hold such public hearings as it deems appropriate, and as to all public hearings, it may prescribe reasonable rules and regulations to govern such hearings not inconsistent with this Chapter.
D. Prior to determining the basic routes over which the authority shall operate its system and stations connected therewith, the board shall consult with the local governing body of the territory involved, and, additionally, shall hold at least one public hearing within the territory of each local government within the regional area at which the local governing body, or its representative, and the public may be heard.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 439, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 1979.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1660. Competitive bidding on contracts, etc.

RS 48:1660 - Competitive bidding on contracts, etc.
By way of illustration and not specification, all purchases, acquisitions, dispositions, contracts, leases, bond sales, and like actions of the authority referred to in the provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to the public bid laws of this state.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 439, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 1979.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1660.1. Public-private partnership projects

RS 48:1660.1 - Public-private partnership projects
A. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary or the requirements of this Chapter, if the board of commissioners determines it is in the best interest of the taxpayers, the Regional Transit Authority, with approval of the House and Senate transportation, highways, and public works committees, may solicit proposals for and enter into contracts for public-private partnership projects for a transportation facility as defined in R.S. 48:2073, provided the authority shall comply with the provisions of R.S. 48:2084 through 2084.15 that are applicable to public-private partnership projects of the Louisiana Transportation Authority. However, R.S. 48:256.3 and 256.5 shall be applicable in the same manner as any other department projects.
B. The authority shall not receive an unsolicited proposal for a public-private partnership project.
Acts 2017, No. 216, §1, eff. June 14, 2017.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1661. Eminent domain

RS 48:1661 - Eminent domain
The authority shall have no power of eminent domain, but the city of New Orleans and the parishes of Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard, for purposes of the authority, may exercise the broadest power of eminent domain permissible under the laws of this state; however, no local governing body shall exercise any power of eminent domain hereunder with respect to property located beyond its territorial limits, nor shall it expropriate any business enterprise or any of its assets for the purpose of operating that enterprise or halting competition with a government enterprise.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 439, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 1979.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1662. Conflict of interests

RS 48:1662 - Conflict of interests
All members of the board and every employee of the board or of the authority shall be subject to the provisions of state law governing governmental ethics in all matters relating to any interest or business, direct or indirect, of the authority.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 439, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 1979.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1663. Tax and regulatory exemptions, audits, reports

RS 48:1663 - Tax and regulatory exemptions, audits, reports
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1664. Taxing power defined

RS 48:1664 - Taxing power defined
The authority shall have power to impose any tax on any subject of taxation within the regional area for any transit related purpose whatsoever, except as otherwise prohibited in this Chapter or by the Constitution or laws of this state, provided, however, that no tax shall be imposed within the regional area by the authority unless it has first been approved by a majority of voters voting in such election in each of the parishes having membership in the authority. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the authority may exercise its powers of taxation within any local governmental subdivision located wholly within the regional area provided only that the proposed tax must be approved by a majority of voters voting thereon within the affected local governmental subdivision. Within ninety days following the end of the authority's fiscal year, all funds derived during that fiscal year from a tax levied by the authority shall be used only for transit related purposes in the parish in which said funds are collected, or for overhead and joint fixed facility expenses of the authority incurred for the benefit of such parish, or shall be distributed to the governing authorities of each local governmental subdivision that contributed within that parish in proportion to the collection of such tax in each parish. Funds so distributed may be used for any public purposes authorized to be performed by either the authority or local governmental subdivisions. Terms used herein are used in accordance with the definitions set forth in Article 6, Section 44, of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 439, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 1979.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1666. Taxing power

RS 48:1666 - Taxing power
Subject to the conditions contained in §1664, each local government may, upon voter approval, levy and collect any taxes authorized under the constitution or laws of this state to fulfill bond obligation or obligations incurred in a rapid transit contract or a contract or contracts with the authority. The authority is hereby authorized to participate in any new or additional tax related to transit or transportation, or both, that may be imposed in the future by the legislature; however, the proceeds from any such statewide tax will be prorated to all parishes in the state on a population formula for use by said parishes for transit or transportation purposes, or both.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 439, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 1979.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1672. Grant of power to Louisiana governor, Louisiana members of commission and compact administrator

RS 48:1672 - Grant of power to Louisiana governor, Louisiana members of commission and compact administrator
There is hereby granted to the governor, to the members of the commission for Louisiana, and to the compact administrator all the powers provided for in the compact and in this Section. All officers of the state of Louisiana are hereby authorized and directed to do all things falling within their respective jurisdictions which are necessary or incidental to carrying out the purpose of the compact.
Added by Acts 1980, No. 327, §1, eff. July 1, 1980.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1701. Definitions

RS 48:1701 - Definitions
The following words and terms shall have the following meaning as used in this Chapter.
(1) "Commission" shall mean the Bi-State Corridor Commission.
(2) "Department" shall mean the Department of Transportation and Development.
(3) "Highway" shall mean a route, which shall run from Many, Louisiana, in Sabine Parish through Lockesbury, Arkansas, to the Oklahoma state line, as presently located and any improvement or extension thereof within the boundaries of the commission.
(4) "Project" shall mean the construction, expansion, improvement, or extension of a route which shall run from Many, Louisiana, in Sabine Parish through Lockesbury, Arkansas, to the Oklahoma state line, including the four-lane improvements or any portion thereof within the boundaries of the district; the construction of bridges, overpasses, causeways, underpasses, traffic circles, interchanges, and landscaping relating thereto; and the long-term economic/industrial development and tourism development of the corridor area.
Acts 1991, No. 792, §1, eff. July 19, 1991.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1702. Creation of commission; territorial jurisdiction

RS 48:1702 - Creation of commission; territorial jurisdiction
A. The Bi-State Corridor Commission is hereby created. The jurisdiction of the commission shall be comprised of all territory within the geographical boundaries of the parishes of Bienville, Red River, Sabine, and Webster.
B. 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 department.
Acts 1991, No. 792, §1, eff. July 19, 1991.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1705. Advice and services of Department of Transportation and Development

RS 48:1705 - Advice and services of Department of Transportation and Development
The commission and the board of commissioners therefor shall have, with respect to all of the powers and functions prescribed by this Chapter, the advice and services of the Department of Transportation and Development. It shall be the duty of the secretary of said department to cause to be made available such staff expertise and support as the commission may request.
Acts 1991, No. 792, §1, eff. July 19, 1991.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1706. General compliances; enhancement

RS 48:1706 - General compliances; enhancement
No provisions of this Chapter shall be construed so as to exempt the commission from compliance with the provisions of Louisiana laws pertaining to open meetings, public records, fiscal agents, official journals, dual officeholding and employment, public bidding for the purchase of supplies and materials, and the Code of Governmental Ethics.
Acts 1991, No. 792, §1, eff. July 19, 1991.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1707. Limitations on taxing authority

RS 48:1707 - Limitations on taxing authority
No tax, fee, or charge shall be proposed unless and until public notice of the intention to submit such tax, fee, or charge for voter approval is published in the official journal of each parish included within the boundaries of the commission at least thirty days prior to the date on which the board of commissioners shall consider and vote on a resolution calling for said tax election. Such notice must set forth:
(1) A general description of the highway project to be funded through bonds to be serviced by said tax.
(2) The total approximate cost of the highway project.
(3) The portion of the total cost of said highway project which will be funded through revenues of the commission.
(4) The date on which construction is anticipated to begin and the anticipated date of completion.
(5) The date, time, and place of the meeting at which said resolution shall be considered.
Acts 1991, No. 792, §1, eff. July 19, 1991.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1751. Definitions

RS 48:1751 - Definitions
The following words and terms shall have the following meanings as used in this Chapter:
(1) "Commission" shall mean the El Camino East-West Corridor Commission (U.S. Highway 84 and Louisiana Highway 6).
(2) "Department" shall mean the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
(3) "Highway" shall mean U.S. Highway 84 East and Louisiana Highway 6, as the said U.S. Highway 84 East extends from the eastern boundary of Louisiana, being the Mississippi River on the east, up to its intersection with U.S. Highway 71 at Clarence, Louisiana, and Louisiana Highway 6 from the point of its intersection at Clarence, Louisiana, with the aforementioned U.S. Highway 71 extending westward to the border between the states of Texas and Louisiana, and shall further mean any improvements or extensions of either highway within the boundaries of the commission.
(4) "Project" shall mean the construction, expansion, improvements, or extension of the highway as that term is defined in this Section, including the four-lane improvements for any portion thereof within the boundaries of the commission and the construction of bridges, overpasses, causeways, underpasses, traffic circles, interchanges, landscaping and wildflower establishment, and historical marker establishment related thereto, and any other construction which may be necessary in order to completely modernize, renovate, and update the aforementioned highways, along with economic development and improvement of the geographic areas served thereby.
Acts 1992, No. 214, §1; Acts 1997, No. 260, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1752. Creation of commission; territorial jurisdiction

RS 48:1752 - Creation of commission; territorial jurisdiction
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1754. Powers of the commission

RS 48:1754 - Powers of the commission
A. The commission is hereby declared to constitute and is declared to be a body politic and political subdivision of the state of Louisiana, as defined in Article VI, Section 44 of the Constitution of Louisiana. The commission is hereby granted all the rights, powers, privileges, and immunities granted to political subdivisions, including but not limited to the following:
(1) To sue and be sued.
(2) To adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.
(3) To initiate or coordinate research, studies, and gathering of information on the project, including but not limited to the following:
(a) Engineering studies.
(b) Traffic flow and pattern studies.
(c) Environmental impact studies.
(d) Location of the proposed route.
(e) Economic development impacts and benefits.
(f) Feasibility of obtaining designation of the project as a National Defense Highway.
(g) Utility relocation.
(h) Right of way acquisition.
(i) Project construction cost/benefit ratio studies.
(4) To be designated an official depository for information relating to and about the project. As such, it is empowered to receive and preserve all information gathered by other parties pertaining to the project.
(5) To receive money from any public or private body which may desire to appropriate or donate such funds to be used to defray the expenses of the commission.
B.(1) In furtherance of these purposes, the commission is specifically authorized to apply for, receive, and accept from any state or federal agency, or local subdivision of this state, any grant or contribution of either money, property, or other things of value to be held, used, and applied for purposes for which such grants and contributions may be made or for any other lawful purposes that the commission has expressly authorized herein.
(2) The commission is also specifically authorized to hire such accountants, attorneys, engineers, or other professional and/or scientific and/or other expert advisors as the commission in its discretion may deem necessary and/or advisable in order to carry out its mission. Said professionals and/or scientific and/or other expert advisors shall be compensated by the commission from funds available to the commission under the provisions of Paragraph A(5) herein pursuant to such agreement as may be entered into by the commission with the hired and/or trained professionals and/or scientific and/or other expert advisors. The state shall in no way be a party to any agreement executed under the provisions of this Paragraph, and the state shall in no way be held responsible for payment of compensation under the agreements entered into by the commission.
Acts 1992, No. 214, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1755. Advice and services of the Department of Transportation and Development

RS 48:1755 - Advice and services of the Department of Transportation and Development
The commission and the board of commissioners therefor shall have, with respect to all of the powers and functions prescribed by this Chapter, the advice and services of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development or his designee shall be an ex officio, voting member of the commission. Within reason, it shall be the duty of the secretary of said department to make available such department staff, expertise, and support as the commission may request.
Acts 1992, No. 214, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1756. General compliances; enhancement

RS 48:1756 - General compliances; enhancement
No provision of this Chapter shall be construed so as to exempt the commission from compliance with the provisions of Louisiana laws pertaining to open meetings, public records, fiscal agents, official journals, dual officeholding and employment, public bidding for the purpose of supplies and materials, and the Code of Governmental Ethics.
Acts 1992, No. 214, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1801. Definitions

RS 48:1801 - Definitions
For purposes of this Chapter, the following words have the meanings ascribed to them by this Section, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1) "Commission" means the Zachary Taylor Parkway Commission.
(2) "Department" means the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
(3) "District" means the Zachary Taylor Parkway District, which is comprised of the parishes of Avoyelles, East Feliciana, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington, and West Feliciana.
(4) "Parkway" means a four-lane highway traversing the Louisiana Highway 1 and Louisiana Highway 10 corridor, which shall be known as the Zachary Taylor Parkway, which shall have as its western terminus Interstate 49 in the vicinity of Alexandria, which shall cross the Pearl River in the vicinity of Bogalusa, and which shall cross the Mississippi River by way of the bridge which is planned for construction in the vicinity of St. Francisville and New Roads, and which shall have as its eastern terminus the intersection of Mississippi Highway 26 with Interstate 59 near Poplarville, Mississippi.
(5) "Project" means:
(a) The construction of new roadways and bridges.
(b) The improvement or extension of existing roadways and bridges along the route described in Paragraph (4).
Acts 1992, No. 288, §1; Acts 1993, No. 230, §1; Acts 2016, No. 290, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1802. Declaration of policy

RS 48:1802 - Declaration of policy
A. The legislature finds that the planned construction of a bridge across the Mississippi River in the vicinity of the town of St. Francisville and the city of New Roads has highlighted the need for improved access highways that would connect such bridge with Interstate 49 to the northwest and with Interstate 55 and Interstate 59 to the east in order to improve prospects for economic development and tourism in the parishes that would be served by such highways.
B. The legislature also finds that most of the people living in the district are disadvantaged from an economic development standpoint because they are not served by the kind of highways that economic development prospects require. As a result of this lack of an adequate transportation system, unemployment is high throughout most of the district, and a large percentage of young people who grow up in the district move outside the district in order to find suitable employment.
C. The legislature further finds that, in addition, travel by automobile or truck between the eastern portion of the district and the western portion of the district is difficult and unnecessarily time-consuming because the most direct route is by means of two-lane highways that permit a relatively slow average rate of speed.
D. Such conditions are detrimental to the public interest and require governmental action to correct them. Accordingly, it is the public policy of this state in the interest of public health, safety, convenience, and welfare, to promote the construction of a modern four-lane highway connecting the eastern portion of the district with the western portion of the district, to improve employment opportunities in the district by making the district more attractive to economic development prospects and by increasing tourism in the district.
E. The construction of such a highway would further serve the public interest by relieving some of the traffic congestion in the Baton Rouge area and by assisting with any evacuation that might become necessary in connection with the nuclear plant in the parish of West Feliciana.
Acts 1992, No. 288, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1803. Legislative intent

RS 48:1803 - Legislative intent
It is the intent of the legislature that those responsible for planning and designing the highway will place primary emphasis on the development of a thoroughfare that will increase tourism and will meet the needs of economic development prospects as well as the needs of those industries and agri-business firms that are currently providing jobs for the people who live in the district. While those responsible for planning and designing the highway will undoubtedly be able to incorporate in the said highway some of the roadways and bridges that are currently a part of Louisiana Highways 1 and 10, they should do so only to the extent that such incorporation is consistent with the goals set forth in this Section.
Acts 1992, No. 288, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1804. Creation of district and commission; powers

RS 48:1804 - Creation of district and commission; powers
A. There is hereby created the Zachary Taylor Parkway District, subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth, which shall be a body politic and corporate and a political subdivision of the state of Louisiana comprising all of the territory within the geographical boundaries of the parishes of Avoyelles, East Feliciana, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington, and West Feliciana.
B. There is hereby created the Zachary Taylor Parkway Commission, and the management and control of the district is hereby vested in the commission. The commission shall be domiciled in West Feliciana Parish.
C. The commission is hereby granted all the rights, powers, privileges, and immunities granted to political subdivisions, including but not limited to the following:
(1) To sue and be sued.
(2) To adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.
(3) To initiate and coordinate research studies, and the gathering of information on the project, including but not limited to the following:
(a) Engineering studies.
(b) Traffic flow and pattern studies.
(c) Environmental impact studies.
(d) Location of the proposed route.
(e) Economic development impacts and benefits.
(f) Feasibility of obtaining designation of the highway as a National Defense Highway and as a part of the National Highway System.
(g) Utility relocation.
(h) Right of way acquisition.
(i) Project construction cost/benefit ratio studies.
(j) Feasibility of including the highway in the Louisiana Scenic Byway Program.
(4) To be designated an official repository for information relating to and about the project. As such, the district is empowered to receive and preserve all information gathered by other parties pertaining to the project.
(5) To receive contributions, donations, grants, and appropriations of money or other things of value from any public or private source.
(6) To enter into a cooperative endeavor by written agreement with the state or with any other public or private entity.
(7) To employ such persons as employees and to enter into such contracts for services as it deems advisable, but the commission shall not enter into any contract for the design or construction of the project or any portion thereof.
(8) To work jointly or in cooperation with the state of Mississippi in the planning and development of the parkway and to carry out the purposes of this Chapter.
D. The commission shall not design any portion of the project, engage in or supervise the construction of any portion of the project, nor maintain any portion of the project.
Acts 1992, No. 288, §1; Acts 1993, No. 230, §1; Acts 2016, No. 290, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1806. Advice and services of the Department of Transportation and Development; interstate cooperation

RS 48:1806 - Advice and services of the Department of Transportation and Development; interstate cooperation
The department is authorized to work jointly or in cooperation with the state of Mississippi, and to provide such advice and services to the commission as will, in the opinion of the secretary of the department, tend to achieve the objectives of this Chapter.
Acts 1992, No. 288, §1; Acts 1993, No. 230, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1815. Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway District; creation; boundaries; and purpose

RS 48:1815 - Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway District; creation; boundaries; and purpose
A. There is hereby created the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway District which shall be a body politic and corporate and a political subdivision of the state of Louisiana. The following highways and sections of highways are hereby designated as the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway District:
Louisiana Highway 27 beginning at Sulphur in Calcasieu Parish, south to Hollybeach in Cameron Parish at the junction with Louisiana Highway 82; Louisiana Highway 82 west to the Texas state line, and east on Louisiana Highway 27/82 to Creole, south on Louisiana Highway 82 to Oak Grove; or alternate route thence east to the intersection of Louisiana Highway 27/82 with Trosclair Road, a parish road #357, in Cameron Parish, thence east on Trosclair Road to its intersection with Louisiana Highway 82 at Oak Grove; east on Louisiana Highway 82 to the Vermilion Parish line; Louisiana Highway 385 south beginning at the intersection of McNeese Street in Calcasieu Parish to Louisiana Highway 384 at Boone's Corner proceeding east to Louisiana Highway 27 and proceeding south on Louisiana Highway 27 to Creole, or alternate route on Louisiana Highway 14 in Lake Charles south to intersection of Louisiana Highway 27 at Holmwood proceeding south to Creole; or, alternate spur route, extending east from Holmwood on Louisiana Highway 14, through the communities of Bell City and Hayes, to Illinois Plant Road, and proceeding south on Illinois Plant Road to its termination on Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge.
B. The purpose of the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway District shall be to stimulate economic development and tourism in the parishes traversed by the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway.
Acts 1995, No. 539, §1; Acts 2014, No. 290, §1, eff. May 28, 2014.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Roads, Bridges and Ferries › §48:1816. Board of commissioners; method of appointment, terms, vacancies, and domicile

RS 48:1816 - Board of commissioners; method of appointment, terms, vacancies, and domicile
A. The Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway District shall be governed by a board of commissioners consisting of nine members as follows:
(1) Two members selected by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury.
(2) Three members selected by the Cameron Parish Police Jury.
(3) One member selected by the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau.
(4) One member selected by the Cameron Parish Tourism Commission.
(5) The secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development, ex officio or his designee.
(6) One member selected by the Calcasieu and Cameron Parish legislative delegation.
B. The members of the board of commissioners shall serve four-year terms and shall serve until their successors have been appointed and qualified.
C. A vacancy on the board of commissioners for any reason shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment and for the unexpired term of office. The board of commissioners shall be domiciled in the town of Lake Charles in Calcasieu Parish.
Acts 1995, No. 539, §1.