| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Water Development Program |
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Legislative Authorization:
R.S. 38:1-19, R.S. 38:30-34, R.S. 36:508-509
Contact Person:
Edward M. Knight, P.E., (225) 379-3015
Billy Williamson, P.E., (225) 379-3015
Purpose / Description:
The authorization enables the Public Works and Water Resources Division to (1) provide for the State's participation, coordination, and local assurance to the United States for federal water development projects, (2) present the State's viewpoint by negotiating feasibility, scope, funding, design, operation and maintenance of projects, (3) coordinate with other state agencies and the federal government, and (4) to ensure that the State and local viewpoints are incorporated in federal program development.
The Division is responsible for presenting the flood control and water resources concerns of the State at various public hearings including the Mississippi River Commission's high and low water inspections.
Increasingly, the Department will act as the non-federal sponsor for flood control and water resources development projects. Funding for construction cost sharing is normally provided by line item in the Capital Outlay Bill. Cost sharing percentages vary with project authorizing legislation. Federal funds for projects in Louisiana typically add up to $400 million annually. |
| NRCS Watershed Development Program |
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Legislative Authorization:
R.S. 38:1-19, and Public Law 566 of the U. S. Congress
Contact Person:
Edward M. Knight, P.E., (225) 379-3015
Billy Williamson, P.E., (225) 379-3015
Purpose / Description:
The Public Works and Water Resources Division provides engineering support and advice for local sponsors and financial cost sharing for the development of watershed improvement projects in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Plans, specifications, contract modifications, and pay estimates are reviewed and approved by the Federal Programs Unit.
Normally the projects are cost shared on a 75% Federal, 25% non-Federal (State) basis.
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| Levee Districts of Louisiana |
| Technical Assistance Programs |
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Legislative Authorization:
R.S. 38:281-513
Contact Person:
Edward M. Knight, P.E., (225) 379-3015
Billy Williamson, P.E., (225) 379-3015
Purpose / Description:
The legislation requires that the Public Works and Water Resources Division (1) provide engineering services to levee districts, (2) attend the meetings of the boards of commissioners, and (3) provide certain approvals related to levees and canals within the levee districts.
Currently there are twenty-four (24) levee districts within the State and one in southeast Arkansas for which engineering support and coordination is provided by the Public Works and Water Resources Division. These services include devising, planning, designing, and providing advice on operation and maintenance of a multitude of levees, canals, and structures constructed with local funds. Coordination of the activities of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the conduct of similar services for such flood control works installed within the levee districts with Federal funds is part of the program's responsibilities. Also, the Federal Projects Unit serves as staff support for the Executive Committee of the Association of Levee Boards of Louisiana. In addition, complete engineering and surveying support for acquisition of the required rights-of-way for such construction, regardless of the source of construction funds, is also provided to the levee districts. |
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| Cooperative Program With The U.S. Geological Survey |
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Legislative Authorization:
R.S. 38:5, R.S. 38:3094, and R.S. 38:30-34
Contact Person:
Edward M. Knight, P.E., (225) 379-3015
Billy Williamson, P.E., (225) 379-3015
Purpose / Description:
To provide the hydrologic information and understanding needed for the optimum utilization and management of the State’s water resources for the overall benefit of the people of Louisiana. The programs two basic activities planned jointly by DOTD and the USGS consists of (1) collecting water data statewide on a systematic basis for structural design, water supply, reservoir and drainage management, water use and pumpage, flood analysis, aquifer analysis, groundwater availability, monitoring of surface and groundwater for quality and quantity and (2) conducting interpretive hydrologic studies on groundwater modeling, water quality assessments, development of water supplies and associated fields that are "real-world" water problems and concerns. |