In order to accomplish its purpose the board of commissioners of an environmental protection district is hereby authorized to and shall:

Pursuant to its purpose of ensuring the wise development and the preservation of the economic and natural environment of the land areas adjacent to the Mississippi River and zoned as residential by the appropriate governing authority of the parish:

(1)  Establish and maintain a master plan for the subdivision, use and development of those lands;

(2)  Preserve the natural environment of the lands along the river through the restriction of land usage;

(3)  Have the power to cause to be created and constructed playgrounds, picnic grounds, grounds for recreation parks and any and all other facilities to accommodate the public and to provide adequate access to such areas, as may within the opinion of the board of commissioners become necessary, and the district shall have the right of eminent domain and expropriation in the exercise of such power;

(4)  To expropriate property in accordance with La. Rev. Stat. 19:1-14; and

(5)  Make and promulgate such rules and regulations and conduct such investigations as it deems necessary to pursue its powers, to carry out its purposes and to insure the implementation of its master plan.

Added by Acts 1970, No. 589, §1.