| Advisory opinion request regarding dual office-holding/employment from Julie Reed Dupuis, an employee with DOTD District 2 and a Commission for the Red River, Atchafalaya, and Bayou Bouef Levee District Board. |
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Ms. Dupuis started employment with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development ("DOTD") on July 15, 2024. She works as an Engineer 5 in the Engineering Division of DOTD District 2, which is located in New Orleans and consists of Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Terrebonne, Jefferson, and St. Charles Parishes. The Louisiana Levee Safety Program is part of the Engineering Division of DOTD and provides engineering support, including planning, designing, advice, and other technical services for levee districts.
The Governor appointed Ms. Dupuis as a Commissioner for the Red River, Atchafalaya, and Bayou Bouef Levee District Board ("RRABB Board") on July 12, 2024. The RRABB Board reimburses the Commissioners for travel and meal expenses for the meetings but does not compensate the Commissioners for participation. Ms. Dupuis takes annual leave from her DOTD District 2 employment to attend the RRABB Board meetings.
The RRABB Board meetings are held once a month in Alexandria to discuss and vote on the permits, operations, maintenance, bills, and any other pertinent business concerning the 252 miles of levees and structures in Rapides, Avoyelles, and St. Landry Parishes. The RRABB Board must approve the permits for any activity within 300 feet of the levee, such as installing water or gas lines, ramps, soil borings, and drilling water wells. These permits are issued in conjunction with a letter of no objection from the applicable local DOTD offices, mainly DOTD Division 8 in Alexandria.
Ms. Dupuis asks whether it is a conflict of interest to serve as a Commissioner for the RRABB Board while also being employed as an Engineer in DOTD District 2.
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Adopt the proposed advisory opinion.
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| Assigned Attorney: |
Jessica Meiners |
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