§3452. Methodology for port project evaluation

A.(1) Applications for funding of any port construction or development project may be submitted by any port authority on a quarterly basis, except as provided in R.S. 34:3456. Applications shall be submitted to the department no later than the first of March, June, September, and December of each calendar year for consideration of funding or funding obligation authority in the following fiscal years. Applications submitted in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to the provisions of R.S. 39:101 through 128. Information to be provided in the application shall include but not be limited to the following:

(a) Description of the project and demonstration of immediate need for the project.

(b) Preliminary project design and cost estimate.

(c) Description of project area.

(2) Project applications shall not be subjected to formal review and evaluation until the information required in the application has been submitted.

B. Applications shall be reviewed by the department and any other appropriate state agencies within sixty days after receipt of such applications by the department.

C. Procedures for review and evaluation shall be developed by the department. Prior to implementing the review and evaluation procedures, the department shall secure the approval of these procedures by the joint committee in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. The procedures and a set of guidelines for completing project applications shall be made available to eligible port authorities upon request.

D. The department may contract with the Louisiana State University Ports and Waterways Institute for any of the duties associated with the development of the port priority program, including but not limited to the development, review, and evaluation of plans and specifications, and the development of the port priority program list. However, development of and authority over the final determination of the port priority list shall remain with the department and the joint committee as provided in this Chapter.

E. The department shall insure that an inventory is maintained of ports, navigable waterways, and water transportation facilities, public and private, with respect to their location, capacities, and capabilities and serve as a clearinghouse for inquiries for ports and waterways information, data, and technical and research assistance.

F. The department shall have prepared each year a summary report containing projections of state, federal, local, and private financial requirements for expanding or renovating existing ports and waterways facilities, constructing new ones, and maintaining these facilities.

Acts 1989, No. 452, §1, eff. June 30, 1989; Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 161, §1, eff. May 7, 1998; Acts 2006, No. 18, §1, eff. May 4, 2006.