Louisiana § RS 48:2084.5 - Public-private partnership projects; powers and duties of the private entity

§ RS 48:2084.5. Public-private partnership projects; powers and duties of the private entity

A.  The private entity shall be authorized to develop or operate the qualifying transportation facility, impose user fees, and enter into service contracts in connection with the use of the transportation facility.  No tolls or user fees may be imposed by the private entity on any existing free road or system of roads, bridge, tunnel, or overpass unless such road or system of roads, bridge, tunnel, or overpass is improved or expanded.

B.  The private entity may own, lease, or acquire any other right to use or operate the qualifying transportation facility.

C.  Subject to applicable permit requirements, the private entity shall have the authority to cross any canal or navigable water body so long as the crossing does not unreasonably interfere with the navigation and use of the waterway.

D.  In operating the qualifying transportation facility, the private entity may determine reasonable categories for assessment of user fees and with the consent of the authority, make and enforce reasonable rules with respect to similar transportation facilities, including rules relating to toll enforcement.

E.  The qualifying transportation facility may be granted certain characteristics typically incident to public ownership, including but not limited to exemption from property taxes and ad valorem taxes and relief from zoning restrictions.

F.  The private entity shall do all of the following:

(1)  Develop or operate the qualifying transportation facility in a manner which meets engineering standards of the authority and any responsible public entity  in accordance with the terms of the comprehensive agreement.

(2)  Keep the qualifying transportation facility open for use by the public at all times after its initial opening upon payment of the applicable user fees, lease payments, or service payments.  The qualifying transportation facility may be temporarily closed due to emergencies or, with the consent of the authority and responsible public entity, may be closed to protect the safety of the public or for reasonable construction or maintenance procedures.

(3)  Maintain, or provide by contract for the maintenance of, the qualifying transportation facility.

(4)  Cooperate with the authority and responsible public entity to establish any interconnection with the qualifying transportation facility requested by the authority or responsible public entity.

(5)  Comply with the provisions of the comprehensive agreement and any lease or service contract.

Acts 2006, No. 304, §1.