News Summary
The Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East has seen the resignation of four board members, raising concerns about the agency’s effectiveness as hurricane season approaches. The resignations come amidst concerns about the agency’s preparedness for disasters and its leadership structure. Current board chair downplays the situation while issues like the lack of a permanent executive director add to uncertainties. State representatives call for qualified leadership, and potential legislative changes to board appointments are being discussed.
New Orleans, Louisiana – Four members of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East (SLFPA-E) board have officially resigned, raising concerns about the agency’s leadership and focus on flood protection as hurricane season approaches. The resignations come from Roy Arrigo, William Settoon, Thomas Fierke, and Derek Rabb, leaving the board with only five active members.
Arrigo, a former commissioner, highlighted worries about the declining morale of the agency and questioned its preparedness for the upcoming hurricane season. He pointed to a shift in the board’s composition as a contributing factor, as recent gubernatorial appointments have replaced independent members with engineering backgrounds with more political appointees. This transition has sparked doubts about the authority’s capacity to effectively manage and maintain flood defenses.
The current board chair, Roy Carubba, who was appointed by Governor Jeff Landry, has played down the significance of the resignations. He suggested that differing opinions among board members led to the commissioners stepping down rather than indicating serious dysfunction within the authority. Carubba has reiterated his commitment to improving employee morale and intends to re-establish the authority’s police force, which is seen as a crucial aspect of their flood protection efforts.
A major area of concern within the agency is the absence of a permanent executive director, which has persisted since January. This vacancy adds to the uncertainty surrounding the board’s operational effectiveness, particularly in light of the incoming hurricane season.
State Representative Stephanie Hilferty has underscored the necessity for focused and qualified leadership, especially with the start of hurricane season just months away. Her emphasis highlights the community’s apprehension regarding disaster readiness and the overall well-being of the flood protection authority.
The ongoing debate over the nominating process for board members adds another layer of complexity to the agency’s current state. This process, designed to ensure that only qualified professionals are appointed to the board, has come under scrutiny. It raises questions about how the authority will navigate its leadership needs in the future, especially with the recent resignations and appointments that seem to prioritize political loyalty over expertise.
In light of the recent changes, Shane Guidry, an adviser to Governor Landry, has indicated potential plans to assemble a team of experienced professionals for future board nominations. This suggests possible legislative shifts aimed at refining the appointing process, which may be addressed in the upcoming legislative session.
As the hurricane season looms, the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority faces significant challenges. With only five members on the board, the functionality and capability to carry out its critical flood defense responsibilities is now in question. The community, state representatives, and other stakeholders are closely monitoring these developments as the region braces for potential storms.
In summary, the recent resignations from the SLFPA-E board have ignited discussions about the agency’s leadership, focus, and operational readiness. With the hurricane season just around the corner, efforts to address these issues will be crucial in safeguarding Southeast Louisiana against future flooding threats.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Senator Luneau Questions Auto Insurance Company’s Jet Spending
Additional Resources
- NOLA: Jeff Landry and Hurricane Concerns
- Wikipedia: Flood Protection
- La Illuminator: Levee Board News
- Google Search: Levee Board
- FOX 8: Commissioner Resignation News
- Google Scholar: Flood Protection Authority
- WWLTV: Flood Protection Board Resignation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood Management
- NOLA: Flood Protection Bill Overview
- Google News: Flood Protection News
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
