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2026 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 14
BY SENATOR HODGES AND REPRESENTATIVE DICKERSON
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
To designate the month of March 2026, as "Flood Awareness Month" in Louisiana and to
commend the invaluable contributions of all professionals working every day to
protect lives, homes, businesses, and communities from floods.
WHEREAS, the state of Louisiana recognizes that floods are among the most
common natural hazards in the United States and can occur any time, threatening life,
property, and the economy; and
WHEREAS, approximately ninety percent of all natural disasters in the United States
involve flooding; and
WHEREAS, flooding represents Louisiana's prevalent and pervasive natural disaster
threat which poses significant risks throughout the state; and
WHEREAS, not all floods are alike, as some develop slowly, while others, such as
flash floods, can develop within minutes and without visible signs of rain; and
WHEREAS, overland flooding, the most common type of flooding event, typically
occurs when waterways such as rivers and streams overflow their banks due to excessive
rainfall or possible levee breaches causing flooding in surrounding areas, and may also occur
when rainfall exceeds the capacity of underground pipes, streets, and drainage systems
designed to carry flood waters away from urban areas; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana's subtropical climate has the potential to produce heavy
rainfall at any time of the year, threatening residents, homes, and other properties in every
parish of the state; and
WHEREAS, most injuries and deaths related to flooding occur when individuals are
swept away by flood currents, while most property damage results from inundation by
sediment and debris-filled water; and
WHEREAS, flood risk is determined not only by historical events but also by factors
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SCR NO. 14 ENROLLED
including rainfall, topography, flood-control measures, river flow, tidal surge data, and
changes resulting from new construction and development; and
WHEREAS, over the years the legislature has sought ways to address flooding across
the state by enacting legislation to help prepare for natural disasters such as flooding; and
WHEREAS, in 2017, the legislature enacted Act 360 of the 2017 Regular Session
of the Legislature requiring the Floodplain Evaluation and Management Commission to
review and revise the flood control database at least once every five years, provided funds
are specifically appropriated, and to ensure that no development in a parish or municipality
will have negative or detrimental effects on another parish or municipality; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, the legislature enacted Act 384 of the 2018 Regular Session
of the Legislature creating the Rural Grant Opportunity Program to provide a mechanism for
a municipality with fewer than five thousand people, or a parish with fewer than fifty
thousand people located in a rural area without financial ability to provide the local match
requirement of the Statewide Flood Control Program, to apply for funds; and
WHEREAS, in 2021, the legislature enacted Act 368 of the 2021 Regular Session
of the Legislature permitting a local government to conduct clearing and snagging and
dredging operations for drainage purposes in Bayou Manchac beginning May 1, 2021,
through August 1, 2026, without requiring a permit; and
WHEREAS, the men and women who work, as well as members who serve on
boards and commissions in the flood protection and storm water management industry, play
a vital role in flood preparedness and provide public awareness to Louisiana residents by
sharing knowledge and experience gained through decades of hazard mitigation; and
WHEREAS, the success of the state of Louisiana, the strength of its communities,
and the overall vitality of society depend, in large measure, upon the dedication of the hard
working professionals in the flood protection and storm water management industry who use
their talents to strengthen public infrastructure and improve resilience and safety each day
and in times of disaster; and
WHEREAS, Flood Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness
about the importance of flood preparedness and to encourage all citizens to better prepare
their homes, businesses, and communities.
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SCR NO. 14 ENROLLED
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
designate the month of March 2026, as "Flood Awareness Month" in Louisiana and does
hereby commend the invaluable contributions of all the professionals, who are working
everyday in the flood protection and storm water management industry, to protect lives,
homes, businesses, and communities from flooding.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
president of the Amite River Basin Board of Commissioners.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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