§ 48:2078 — State-designated projects; department approval

§2078. State-designated projects; department approval
A. The authority may, upon obtaining the approval of the department, undertake a
state-designated project for a transportation improvement designated as a Priority "A" or "B"
Megaproject in the 2015 Louisiana Statewide Transportation Plan prepared by the
department as a project under this Chapter.
B. The department may, upon the request of the authority, in connection with any
state-designated project, expend out of any funds available for the purpose such monies and
make such use of its engineering and other staff as may be necessary and desirable, in the
judgment of the department, for traffic surveys, borings, surveys, preparation of plans and
specifications, estimates of cost, and other preliminary engineering and other studies.
C. The department shall serve as the agent for the authority for the purpose of
constructing and completing improvements and extensions to a state-designated project. In
such event, the authority shall provide the department with complete copies of all documents,
agreements, resolutions, contracts, and instruments relating thereto; shall request the
department to do such construction work, including the planning, surveying, and actual
construction of the completion, extensions, and improvements thereto; and shall transfer to
the credit of an account of the department in the state treasury the necessary funds therefor.
The department shall thereupon proceed with such construction and use the funds for such
purpose in the same manner as it is now authorized to use the funds otherwise provided by
law for its use in the construction of roads and bridges.
D. Any portion of a project which would interconnect with or otherwise directly
affect the operation of any portion of the state highway system or any state-designated project
shall be subject to department approval.
E. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the authority organized pursuant
to the provisions of this Chapter shall have full power to carry out all of the powers and
duties set forth in this Chapter, without the necessity of obtaining the approval or consent of
the state, or any state agency, political subdivision, district, authority, or other public entity
except as expressly provided for in this Chapter.

Legislative History

Acts 2001, No. 1209, §2; Acts 2009, No. 39, §1, eff. July 1, 2009; Acts 2016, No. 169, §1, eff. May 19, 2016.