Louisiana § RS 38:1638 - Works and improvements authorized
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 38:1638 — Works and improvements authorized, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 38:1638. Works and improvements authorized
In order to effect the drainage, protection and reclamation of the land and other property in the district subject to tax, the board of commissioners may clean out, straighten, widen, change the course and flow, alter or deepen any ditch, drain, watercourse, pond, lake, creek, bayou or natural stream in or out of the district, fill up any creek, drain, channel, watercourse or natural stream, and concentrate, divert or divide the flow of water in or out of the district. In so doing, the drainage district shall make adequate provision for the drainage of all lands and property affected thereby. The board may construct and maintain main and lateral ditches, canals, levees, dikes, dams, sluices, revetments, reservoirs, holding basins, floodways, pumping stations and syphons and any other works and improvements deemed necessary to preserve and maintain the works in or out of the district. They shall construct or enlarge or cause to be constructed or enlarged any and all bridges that may be needed in or out of the district across any drain, ditch, canal, floodway, holding basin, excavation, public highway, railroad right of way, track, grade, fill or cut, construct roadways over levees and embankments, construct any and all of the works and improvements across, through or over any public highway, railroad right of way, track, grade, fill or cut in or out of the district, remove any fence, building, or other improvements in or out of the district, and hold, control, and acquire by donation or purchase, and if need be, expropriate any land, servitude, railroad right of way, sluice, reservoir, holding basin or franchise in or out of the district for right of way, or holding basin for any of the purposes herein provided.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 38:1638
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 38:1638 cover?
Section RS 38:1638 ("Works and improvements authorized") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 38:1638?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 38:1638" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 38:1638 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.