A. The legislature hereby finds and declares it necessary to provide a forum for the exchange of information between the legislature, the department, and the commission members representing the maritime port industry located in the parishes of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, and West Baton Rouge.

            B. The legislature hereby finds and declares that it is a matter of public necessity to create the Southeast Louisiana Port Authority Advisory Commission to provide the legislature and the department a broad perspective regarding maritime ports and transportation-related matters to be considered in formulating department policies concerning the Louisiana maritime port system located along and near the lower Mississippi River.

            Acts 2023, No. 461, §1.