Louisiana § RS 48:22.1 - Complete Streets; findings; requirements; exceptions

§ RS 48:22.1. Complete Streets; findings; requirements; exceptions

A.  The legislature finds that development of a comprehensive, integrated, connected transportation network for Louisiana which balances the access, mobility, health, and safety needs of motorists, transit users, bicyclists, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities, including the users of wheelchairs and mobility aids, is integral to the public health, welfare, and quality of life of Louisiana's citizens and visitors.  Further, the legislature finds that the development of such a fully integrated transportation system, by planning, designing, funding, constructing, managing, and maintaining a complete and multimodal network, will achieve and sustain mobility and safely accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users.

B.  The legislature directs the department to adopt and maintain a Complete Streets Policy to facilitate the purposes set forth in Subsection A of this Section. In the development of such policy, the department shall make reasonable efforts to engage interested stakeholders through an advisory group to be known as the Complete Streets Advisory Council. The department shall establish goals to be incorporated into practical projects within the highway priority program and shall track the progress by department district.  The department shall submit a written progress report annually in conjunction with the department's submission of the Highway Priority Program to the House and Senate committees on transportation, highways, and public works and to the Complete Streets Advisory Council.

C.  The Complete Streets Advisory Council shall consist of a representative appointed by each of the following organizations and may include such other persons or representatives of organizations selected by the council:

(1)  The Department of Transportation and Development.

(2)  AARP Louisiana.

(3)  The Center for Planning Excellence.

(4)  The Federal Highway Administration.

(5)  Any research center based at a university in Louisiana that is interested in the Complete Streets Policy.

(6)  A member appointed by a majority of the metropolitan planning organizations.

(7)  Other interested Complete Streets advocacy groups.

D.  The department shall adopt performance measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the Complete Streets Policy.  These performance measures shall include both process- and outcome-oriented indicators as determined by the department in conjunction with the Complete Streets Advisory Council.

Acts 2014, No. 470, §1, eff. June 4, 2014.