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2026 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 29
BY SENATOR KLEINPETER AND REPRESENTATIVE CHASSION
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
To create and provide with respect to a joint legislative committee to study and make
recommendations with respect to the water quality of the Atchafalaya Basin.
WHEREAS, the Atchafalaya Basin is the largest river swamp in North America and
a vital ecological, economic, and cultural resource for the state of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, the basin serves as a critical floodway for the Mississippi River system
and plays an essential role in flood control, water storage, and sediment distribution within
the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway System; and
WHEREAS, the basin provides essential habitat for fish, wildlife, migratory birds,
and aquatic species, and supports significant commercial and recreational fisheries that
contribute to the economy and heritage of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, the Atchafalaya Basin has experienced substantial sediment
accumulation over many decades due to natural river processes and human alterations of the
Mississippi River system, including channelization, levee construction, dredging, and
operation of flood control structures; and
WHEREAS, large quantities of sediment carried by the Mississippi and Red Rivers
are diverted into the Atchafalaya Basin through the Old River Control Structure and other
hydraulic features of the flood control system; and
WHEREAS, the accumulation of sediment in the basin has contributed to reduced
water depths, impaired water circulation, and the formation of spoil banks and sediment
deposits that restrict natural hydrologic connectivity; and
WHEREAS, reduced water flow and increased sedimentation can degrade water
quality, increase stagnation, alter nutrient dynamics, and contribute to the loss of aquatic
habitat; and
WHEREAS, these changes may adversely affect fish populations and the
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words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
SCR NO. 29 ENROLLED
productivity of commercial fisheries, including crawfish and finfish, as well as recreational
fishing opportunities relied upon by residents and visitors; and
WHEREAS, the continued accumulation of sediment within the basin may also affect
flood conveyance capacity, navigation channels, and the long-term ecological sustainability
of the Atchafalaya Basin; and
WHEREAS, a comprehensive review of sediment sources, transport mechanisms,
and basin management strategies is necessary to develop effective solutions to reduce
sediment inputs and restore water flow and ecological function within the basin.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
create a joint legislative committee to study the water quality of the Atchafalaya Basin to
include the causes and effects of sediment accumulation in the Atchafalaya Basin and
Atchafalaya Basin Floodway System, to evaluate impacts on water flow, water quality,
habitat, and commercial and recreational fisheries, and to recommend strategies to reduce
sediment entering the basin and to remove accumulated sediment to restore ecological and
hydrological function.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the joint legislative committee created herein
shall be composed of members of the Senate who represent Districts 17, 21, and 22 and
members of the House of Representatives who represent Districts 18, 46, 50, 60 and 96.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the president of the Senate shall name one of the
Senate members of the committee as the chairperson for the limited purpose of calling the
first meeting, and at the first meeting, the members shall elect a chairman and other officers
as the joint committee may deem appropriate.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that for purposes of this study the joint legislative
committee shall have all powers otherwise provided by law and by the rules of the respective
houses, as well as all powers inherent in legislative committees and that the members thereof
shall receive the per diem and mileage provided for committees by the rules of the respective
house.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the joint committee shall receive staff support
from the committee staff of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and the House
Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in conducting this study the joint committee may
request data, technical assistance, and recommendations from state and federal agencies,
academic institutions, and stakeholders involved in the management of the Atchafalaya
Basin and will seek input and advice from the following:
1. The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.
2. The Department of Conservation and Energy.
3. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
4. The Department of Environmental Quality.
5. The United States Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District.
6. Commercial fishing interests in the Atchafalaya Basin.
7. Recreational fishing interests in the Atchafalaya Basin.
8. Hydrologist and sediment transport experts from Louisiana public universities.
9. Landowners and local governments within the Atchafalaya Basin.
10. Atchafalaya Basinkeeper.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a majority of the committee shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business and all official actions of the committee shall require
the affirmative vote of a majority of the members.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the joint committee shall submit a written report
of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislative or administrative
actions, to the legislature and to the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library no later
than April 1, 2027, and may submit supplemental reports as deemed necessary.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the joint committee shall terminate on January
11, 2028.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.