The state may transfer the ferry to Cameron Parish, but after July 1, 2008 no state funds may be used to operate or maintain it.
§1002. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ferry; closure; authorization for transfer or compensation to residents A. Effective July 1, 2008, no state funds shall be appropriated for operation and maintenance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ferry serving Monkey Island in Cameron Parish. B.(1) The state, through the Department of Transportation and Development, hereinafter the "department", is authorized to transfer, donate, assign, and deliver title to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ferry, without compensation, to the Cameron Parish governing authority. The secretary of the department may execute such documents necessary to properly effectuate such transaction, regardless of monetary consideration. (2) Prior to any transfer of the ferry, the department and the Cameron Parish governing authority shall agree in writing that such transfer is conditioned upon agreement by the Cameron Parish governing authority to assume ownership and all maintenance and operational expenses of the ferry, and to continue to operate the ferry for the benefit of the residents of Monkey Island, Cameron Parish, and the state, for the lesser of three years or until such time as a bridge or alternate means of transportation across the old Calcasieu River channel is built and operational. C. If, as of December 30, 2000, a transfer of the ferry has not occurred, then the state, through the department, may offer residents of Monkey Island adequate and just compensation for their land. Acts 1999, No. 1075, §1; Acts 2001, No. 414, §1; Acts 2003, No. 469, §1; Acts 2004, No. 13, §1; Acts 2004, No. 597, §1.