State Rep. Paul Sawyer joined Talk 107.3 to discuss his first legislative session, insurance relief, and flood protection projects across the Amite River Basin.
Sawyer said he entered the session shortly after taking office on March 24. House rules allowed him to introduce five bills. All five passed and were signed into law.
Fortified Roof Help Available
Sawyer highlighted a bill tied to the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program. The measure helps move $50 million into the program. That money supports grants for homeowners who install fortified roofs.
The program offers $10,000 grants to eligible homeowners. Sawyer said fortified roofs make homes safer and help lower insurance premiums. He also noted that Livingston and Ascension parishes qualify for the grant program, while East Baton Rouge Parish does not.
The grant application deadline is June 19.
Sawyer also pointed to the Louisiana Fortified Roof Tax Credit Program. That program applies statewide, including East Baton Rouge Parish. The deadline for that tax credit is June 30.
Flood Protection Remains A Priority
Sawyer also discussed his work with the Amite River Basin Commission. He said Louisiana often focuses on named storms and coastal flooding. However, most flooding in the state comes from rivers.
Sawyer worked with lawmakers to create a new funding source for river restoration. He called it a historic step for riverine flood protection, especially as the region nears the 10th anniversary of the 2016 flood.
The Amite River Basin Commission now has about $500 million in flood control projects underway. Sawyer said two additional U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects in East Baton Rouge Parish bring the total to about $1.7 billion in active flood protection work.
He encouraged residents to prepare for storms and understand their flood risk through getagameplan.org and redstickready.gov.