The state declares a policy to promote a joint local-government transportation instrumentality in the metropolitan area to address traffic and mass transportation problems.
§1652. Declaration of policy The area comprising the parishes of Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, St. Bernard, and other parishes, has developed and continues to develop into a metropolitan area with a common interest in the cultural, social, and economic well-being of the people therein and the development of the educational, commercial, and industrial resources thereof. There exist in this metropolitan area serious traffic conditions and congestions and serious mass transportation problems which impede and will increasingly impede the development of these common interests toward their fullest potential. Concerted governmental action is needed to alleviate such traffic conditions and congestion, correct deficiencies in mass transportation, coordinate and balance the transportation facilities operating therein, and otherwise provide a sounder basis for the development of traffic patterns and control. The development of a mass transportation system through a joint instrumentality of the local governments within the metropolitan area is a reasonable approach to the aforesaid needs and problems. The cultural, social, and economic well-being of the people in the metropolitan area and the development of the educational, commercial, and industrial resources thereof are matters of public interest and concern throughout the state. Accordingly, it is the public policy of this state, as a matter of public health, safety, convenience, and welfare, to promote the establishment of such a joint instrumentality, encourage participation therein by the local governments involved, facilitate the accomplishment of its purposes, and bring about solutions to the aforesaid needs and problems. Added by Acts 1979, No. 439, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 1979.