News Article

Our opinion: State wants to improve its flood response

Date:Oct 16, 2018
Published in:houmatoday.com

The state is undertaking an ambitious effort to improve its response to floods.

That is good news for all of Louisiana. The Louisiana Watershed Initiative is aiming to take a more regional approach to risk assessment, something that should allow for much better planning.

“As our state continues moving in the direction of a science and data-driven approach to reducing flood risk for all our residents, it is critical that we hear firsthand from local experts about the challenges they face locally to inform this new approach represented by the Louisiana Watershed Initiative,” Pat Forbes, executive director of the state Office of Community Development, said in a news release. “Through this listening tour, we’ll gain an even greater understanding of how to advance our work to make informed decisions in the coming months and years that improve safety, save money and protect our state’s unique cultures.”

The important part of this process for local folks will be a meeting Oct. 23 in Gray. The meeting, which starts at 9 a.m. and lasts throughout the day, will take place at the South Central Planning and Development Commission, 5058 W. Main St.

It is open to the public. So if you would like to involved in or informed about this important program, go to the meeting. You can also check out watershed.la.gov.

The general idea is to implement a more regional way of thinking about flood risk rather than leaving that duty up to all the various parishes and other governmental entities. After all, flooding is something that crosses the artificial boundaries we have drawn on maps.

It just makes sense to apply a larger thought process to something that is a larger problem.

This meeting is a good way for local officials and experts to learn more about what seems like a worthwhile effort that could lead to better way to protect homes, property and lives.

Everyone in south Louisiana is affected by flooding or the danger of flooding. We have to be aware of the best practices for keeping us as safe as can be. This is a good way for the state to encourage the people who know best about the threats we face to put their heads together and come up with the best approaches they can formulate.