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Water Resources Development Programs

To manage and implement the water resources programs and projects related to dams, non-coastal levees, reservoirs, statewide flood control, interstate compacts, cooperative agreements with state, federal and local agencies, and other water related projects and programs. 
 
Louisiana has enormous water resources and water-related concerns. The Water Resources Section, in cooperation with other water-related agencies, is committed to the prudent use of those resources and resolution of those concerns which are essential to the maintenance and enhancement of the quality of life and economic well-being of the citizens of the State.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Water Development Program

Legislative Authorization:
R.S. 38:1-19, R.S. 38:30-34, R.S. 36:508-509

 

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

Legislative Authorization:
R.S. 38:1-19, and Public Law 566 of the U. S. Congress

 

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.

Levee Districts of Louisiana

Legislative Authorization:
R.S. 38:281-513

 

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.

Cooperative Program With The U.S. Geological Survey

Legislative Authorization:
R.S. 38:5, R.S. 38:3094, and R.S. 38:30-34

 

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.

Water Supply Availability and Use Program

Legislative Authorization:
R.S. 38:3091.8 and R.S. 38:30-34


Edward Knight, P.E. (225) 379-3015
Chad Kacir - USGS (318) 473-7752


This is a USGS-DOTD cooperative program in which the USGS in cooperation with DOTD Water Resources Section conducts a water use survey of major water users on a quarterly basis and a survey of other users every five years. The results of both surveys are published every five years as a water resources special report and widely distributed. The 2010 water use survey has been completed and should be ready for distribution shortly.

Water Data Collection and Dissemination Program

Legislative Authorization:
R.S. 38:3091-3098.8

Edward M. Knight, P.E. (225) 379-3015
Chad Kacir - USGS (318) 473-7752

To collect water data from gaging stations and observation wells scattered throughout the state, and systematically synthesize and disseminate this data to the general public, governmental agencies, industrial facilities and others through the world wide web, reports, maps, telephone calls, meetings, conferences, and/or computerized information services