2014 Louisiana Laws
Revised Statutes
TITLE 38 - Public Contracts, Works and Improvements
RS 38:1921 - Red River, Atchafalaya River, and Bayou Boeuf Gravity Drainage District

PART IV. GRAVITY DISTRICTS AFFECTING MORE

THAN ONE PARISH

§1921. Red River, Atchafalaya River, and Bayou Boeuf Gravity Drainage District

A. In order to provide for an overall efficient and effective plan to address the drainage problems affecting the geographical area located within the Red River, Atchafalaya River, and Bayou Boeuf Levee District, there is hereby created the Red River, Atchafalaya River, and Bayou Boeuf Gravity Drainage District, hereinafter referred to as "the district". The geographic boundaries of the district shall be the same as the geographic boundaries of the Red River, Atchafalaya River, and Bayou Boeuf Levee District which are stated in R.S. 38:291(M) except for that portion which is located in Rapides Parish. The district created hereunder shall not include any portion of Rapides Parish.

B. The governing authority of the district shall be the Board of Commissioners of the Red River, Atchafalaya River, and Bayou Boeuf Gravity Drainage District, hereinafter referred to as "the board". There shall be five members of the board. The governing authorities of the parishes of Avoyelles and St. Landry shall each appoint two members of the board. The governor shall appoint one member of the board from the district at large. The member appointed by the governor and one of the members appointed by the governing authorities of each of the parishes shall serve for terms which shall end on December 31, 1994. The other members appointed by the parish governing authorities shall serve for terms which shall expire on December 31, 1996. The parish governing authorities shall determine which members shall serve which terms. Thereafter, the terms of the members shall be four years, ending on December thirty-first of the fourth year of the term. Vacancies in office shall be filled in the manner of the original appointment. No person shall serve for more than two full terms and one partial term on the board. Members may be reimbursed for mileage and other expenses incurred in the duties of the board at the rates for reimbursing state employees and may receive per diem at a rate of fifty dollars per day for attendance at meetings of the board. However, no member shall receive per diem for attendance at more than twelve such meetings per year. The board may hire an executive director and necessary office staff if the board deems it necessary to fulfill the duties of the board.

C. In general, the other provisions of this Chapter shall apply to and shall govern the activities of the board.

D. In addition to the other provisions of this Chapter, the board shall have the following purposes:

(1) To provide for the drainage needs of the district.

(2) To coordinate the efforts of the board in providing drainage for the district with the conservation efforts of the Soil and Water Conservation Districts which have jurisdiction within the district.

(3) To encourage and facilitate the conservation and use of the water resources in the district for recreational and agricultural purposes and for providing wildlife habitat.

E. Under authority of R.S. 38:1770 and 1901, the board shall have the authority to levy an acreage tax; however, the rate of such acreage tax shall not exceed ten cents per acre. In addition, under the provisions of R.S. 38:1902, the board shall have the authority to levy an ad valorem tax; however, the rate of such tax shall not exceed five mills on the dollar upon all property subject to taxation in the district. The two taxes authorized herein shall be levied individually and shall not be levied in combination. Any tax levied shall be levied to run for a period not to exceed ten years and subject to renewal for periods not to exceed ten years. The imposition and renewal of taxes authorized under this Subsection shall require a favorable vote of the electors voting in an election called and held as provided in this Chapter. In addition to the requirement of being approved by a majority of the electors voting in the election, the imposition of the tax shall require the favorable vote of a majority of the electors who live in that portion of each parish which is located in the district and who vote in the election. The proceeds of the tax shall be used for the purposes and may be funded into bonds as provided in this Chapter.

F. In furtherance of the provisions of this Section and the provisions of this Chapter, the board may enter into contracts and cooperative endeavors with any private entity, with any state or federal agency, or with any local governing authority. Any drainage construction or maintenance project shall be done by contract which shall be entered into under the provisions of the Public Bid Law. The board may purchase or lease necessary offices or office space, office furniture, fixtures, and equipment. However, the board shall have no authority to purchase, lease, or otherwise own heavy equipment, motor vehicles, or immovable property of any nature.

G. The district and the governing authority for the district shall be subject to audit by the legislative auditor under the provisions of Chapter 8 of Title 24 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.

Acts 1993, No. 964, §1.