Statewide Flood Control Program - Description / Information

Legislative Authorization: R.S. 38:90

Purpose:

The purpose of the flood control program is to reduce existing flood damages by providing guidance and public funds to build flood control infrastructure.

Introduction:

In 1983 over 15,500 flood insurance claims were made in Louisiana resulting in more than $128 million of payments. This represents approximately one fourth of all the claims paid in the U. S. (Federal Emergency Management Agency, December 31, 1984). The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (Office of the Chief Engineer, 1984) reported $651 million of damages in Louisiana for the 1983 Fiscal Year.
To address the need to reduce flood damages in Louisiana, the legislature passed Act 351 in the 1982 Regular Session thereby creating the Louisiana Statewide Flood Control Program. This program may provide up to 90% of the cost of construction for projects that reduce existing flood damages, do not encourage additional development in flood-prone areas, do not increase upstream or downstream flooding and have a total construction cost of $100,000 or more.

Description:

The Statewide Flood Control Program was created by the Legislature in 1982. The purpose of the program is to bring about flood damage reduction by providing long term solutions for areas that are experiencing structural damages or agricultural losses. This is a cost sharing program which requires a 10% local match based on construction cost. Legislation provides that local project sponsors who represent a population of less than 50,000 may request engineering services from DOTD for participation in the program.
Local governing bodies at the parish or municipal level must initiate funding requests by submitting an application. Applications are reviewed, evaluated and ranked in priority order. This is accomplished by the Flood Control Project Evaluation Committee consisting of DOTD (as lead agency), the Louisiana Geological Survey and the Division of Administration.
In order to assure a consistency in addressing flooding problems, program rules provide for a statewide distribution of the funding. Funds are allocated 55% to rural areas of the state and 45% to urban areas. The funding distribution formula assures that large metropolitan areas, smaller communities, and more rural agricultural areas do not compete against each other for available funds. The formula assures a statewide availability of funds.

Who May Apply:

  • Parish Governments
  • Municipal Governments
  • Levee Boards
  • Drainage Districts

What Types of Projects:

  • Channel Enlargement
  • Levees
  • Pump Stations
  • Relocation of Dwellings & Business Structures
  • Reservoirs
  • Other Flood Damage Reduction Measures

How to Apply for Funding:

The application process consists of two steps:

Submittal of a Pre-Application by May 1
Submittal of an Application by October 1 within four years of the pre-application

Additional Information:

Additional information about the Statewide Flood Control Program may be obtained by contacting:
  1. Lucas Johnson, Telephone: (225) 379-3027
  2. Facsimile: (225) 379-3002
  3. Mail:
    • Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development
    • Statewide Flood Control Program
    • Section 64, Room N-528
    • P.O. Box 94245​
    • Baton Rouge, LA
    • 70804-9245
  4. Pick up:
    • Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development
    • 1201 Capitol Access Road
    • East Wing, 5th Floor, Room N-518
    • Baton Rouge, LA
    • 70802
  5. Email Request: Lucas Johnson

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