A.  The Transportation Trust Fund shall be the source of state funds provided for any port project on the priority list approved pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter.  Prior to the commencement of any work, the department shall require the presiding officer of each port authority involved in a project to execute an agreement and statement of sponsorship to provide a ten percent local match for the cost of construction of the project including the cost of any items stipulated under the provisions of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection.  The department shall further stipulate that such agreement include but not be limited to the following:

(1)  Agreement by the port authority to furnish all lands, easements, rights of way, and spoil disposal areas necessary to construct, operate, and maintain the project without cost to the state, unless such lands, easements, rights of way, and spoil disposal areas are critical to the project being applied for.

(2)  Agreement by the port authority to furnish all engineering services for the project, including consultant engineering services, if required, without cost to the state, unless such services are provided by the department as authorized in La. Rev. Stat. 34:3458(B).

(3)  Agreement by the port authority to assume all maintenance and operation costs for the project as may be required without cost to the state.

B.  Any monies allocated for any project not needed for said project may be reallocated for the completion of any other project or projects specified.  Any monies not needed for the completion of said projects shall be deposited in and credited to the Transportation Trust Fund.

Acts 1989, No. 452, §1, eff. June 30, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1993, No. 476, §1; Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 161, §1, eff. May 7, 1998.