Flood Protection

On the Ballot: West Jefferson Levee District Millage

OVERVIEW BGR examines the April 28, 2018, proposition before voters on the west bank of Jefferson Parish to approve a new property tax for the West Jefferson Levee District. This is the Levee District’s second attempt at a new...

West Bank Levees and St. Tammany Charter Changes

Overview BGR analyzes two property tax propositions meant to sustain west bank flood protection systems and three proposed St. Tammany charter amendments before voters on November 21, 2015. The tax propositions include a new tax for the West Jefferson...

BGR Reviews Tax Propositions in Orleans, St. Bernard

Overview BGR analyzes proposed property taxes for the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Law Enforcement District, the New Orleans Public Library system and the Lake Borgne Basin Levee District in St. Bernard Parish. Voters in New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish...

SB 469 – Does It Eliminate the Public’s Rights?

Overview In this open letter to the Louisiana State Legislature in 2014, BGR expresses concern that SB 469 might permanently deprive the residents of coastal Louisiana of significant claims against the oil and gas industry and others. It provides...

Special Counsel Bill Threatens Levee Boards’ Independence

Overview In this release, BGR addresses a bill in the 2014 legislative session that would require the regional flood protection authorities to get the governor’s approval before hiring special counsel. The change would expose the flood protection authorities to...

Amended SB 79 Still Threatens Levee Boards’ Independence

Overview In this release, BGR addresses a bill in the 2014 legislative session that would allow the governor to unilaterally remove members of regional flood protection authorities for vague reasons. The change would expose the flood protection authorities to...

Opening Floodgates to Gubernatorial Interference

Overview In this release, BGR addresses a bill in the 2014 legislative session that would move the regional flood protection authorities into the executive branch. The change would expose the flood protection authorities to political pressure and intervention from...

2014 Bill Would Weaken Levee Board Reforms

Overview In this release, BGR raises concerns about a bill pending in the state Senate in 2014 that would weaken the critical reforms of local levee boards put in place in response to the 2005 levee failures, including the...

BGR Analyzes State and Local Ballot Propositions

Overview In On the Ballot: November 6, 2012, BGR examines three proposed constitutional amendments, two propositions pertaining to multiple parishes in the New Orleans area, a proposed change to the City of New Orleans charter and two local tax...

BGR Examines Constitutional Amendments on the Ballot

Overview On September 30, Louisiana voters were asked to approve 13 constitutional amendments. This report focuses on those that are amendments relevant to Greater New Orleans in four arenas: coastal restoration and flood protection, expropriation, the homestead exemption, and...