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The Truth About the Loop: No Construction Without Central’s Approval
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By Dave Freneaux
There is no need to break out the pitchforks and torches to defend the City of Central from Dr. FrankenLoop’s Monster. Just a little thorough research by Central Speaks uncovered the truth that the Capital Area Expressway Authority (CAEA) has no authority to build a toll road through Central without Central’s written consent. There is also no need to pass a non-binding resolution with no force of law against a Loop when actual Louisiana State Law prevents the CAEA from constructing anything anywhere unless it has “the prior express written consent of the affected governing bodies.” Central is indeed a “governing body” and Central has not given any such consent.
In light of the sensationalized coverage the Loop has received over the past three weeks, this news probably comes as both a surprise and a welcomed relief to the citizens of Central. Here is the actual Louisiana State Law found in 1997 House Bill 411 which became the 1997 Legislature Act 1017. This legislation was created for the purpose of allowing CONSENTING parishes and municipalities to construct toll roads. Section 2028 A begins: “An authority created and established pursuant to this Chapter may only construct new additional highway toll and/or transitway toll facilities under the terms set forth in this Chapter, with the prior express written consent of the affected governing bodies within the geographic boundaries of the authority after public hearing.”
So, not only does the CAEA need the City of Central’s prior written consent, but that consent has to be given AFTER public hearing. This means that passing a non-binding resolution with no force of law behind it would be both impotent and premature. To fast-forward and see the end of the movie right now, there is a group of people working to secure private funds to build a road in or near Central which could help alleviate Central’s traffic problems and increase Central’s tax base to support the city and the School System, all at no charge to Central. And, in the end, if Central doesn’t like their proposal, Central can simply say no thank you. It would seem wise to see what the CAEA wants to give Central before rejecting the offer out of fear.
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