Bill > HB687

This bill authorizes the Port of New Orleans board of commissioners to establish a public-private partnership for developing the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor roadway project, a new transportation facility designed to serve commercial traffic for the Louisiana International Terminal, provide an alternative local route, and serve as an emergency evacuation route. The bill grants the Port of New Orleans board specific powers, including the ability to enter into agreements with public and private entities, acquire property, accept funding from various sources, and solicit proposals for the project's design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance. The roadway project may include bridges, elevated roadways, and limited-access facilities, and must comply with state and federal safety guidelines. The bill requires the board to obtain approval from the Department of Transportation and Development for aspects of the project impacting the state highway system and allows for potential future transfer of the transportation facility to the state. The project will be governed by specific provisions regarding public-private partnerships, including requirements for bonding, consultation with local parishes, and the ability to collect user fees. Importantly, the bill emphasizes that the project serves essential governmental functions and that the roadway and associated property will be exempt from taxation, even if developed through a public-private partnership.