Scientists at LSU’s College of the Coast & Environment are analyzing Louisiana’s regulations on floodplain management as part of the Louisiana Watershed Initiative (LWI), aimed at improving community planning after historic floods in 2016. Principal investigator Thomas Douthat emphasizes that flooding impacts cannot be addressed from a single jurisdictional perspective.
The LWI identifies eight watershed regions for coordinated efforts. Researchers are studying data in region seven, including transportation, flood control, and environmental conservation, to determine if regulations are synergistic or conflicting.
Douthat’s team aims to provide visualization tools for the Capitol Region Planning Commission to identify collaboration patterns and enhance resilience against flooding. Preliminary findings suggest urban areas have stronger regulatory networks, whereas rural areas are more isolated. The project has inspired students like Lindsey Lamana and Victoria Nguyen to deepen their understanding of environmental policy in Louisiana.
