CURRENT Authority Board Approves Mission and Goals for Louisiana’s Noncoastal Region
Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 1:00:44 PM
SHREVEPORT- The Coordinated Use of Resources for Recreation, Economy, Navigation, and Transportation (CURRENT) Authority Board approved its mission and four goals during its Nov. 4 meeting at the Port of Caddo-Bossier, establishing priorities for the Authority's efforts to address flood protection, watershed and floodplain management, navigation, and economic development across the inland regions in Louisiana.
The mission and goals were developed based on CURRENT's legislative responsibilities and informed by input from local governments, levee districts, ports, regional organizations, and other stakeholders. The Authority then worked with legislators and Board members to refine the language and ensure it reflects the needs and priorities of inland Louisiana.
"CURRENT was created to give communities of North and Central Louisiana a coordinated approach to addressing longstanding water resource and infrastructure needs," said Sen. Thomas Pressly. "The mission and goals approved today reflect the vision behind the legislation while building on the work already happening at the local level. This is an important step toward turning regional priorities into projects that deliver lasting benefits for our communities and economy."
The four goals focus on flood protection, watershed and floodplain management, commerce and connectivity, and community benefit. Together, they will guide the identification and prioritization of projects that reduce flood risk, strengthen inland navigation and economic activity, support watershed management, and enhance quality of life across the region.
"The approval of CURRENT's mission and goals marks an important step in establishing a coordinated approach to addressing the needs throughout inland regions of Louisiana," said DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet. "By bringing together local expertise, technical resources, and state and federal partners, CURRENT will help identify regional priorities and advance projects that strengthen infrastructure, support economic growth, and improve quality of life."
The Board's approval comes as CURRENT prepares to begin development of its Initial Master Plan with Dewberry Engineers Inc., which was selected in October to lead the effort. The approved mission and goals will guide the planning process, including the identification and prioritization of projects throughout the Authority's jurisdiction.
"These goals give CURRENT a clear direction as we begin developing our Initial Master Plan," said CURRENT Executive Director Austin Vaughn. "We've spent the past several months meeting with local leaders and organizations to understand the challenges they're facing and the work already underway. Their input has helped shape our priorities, and it will continue to guide how we identify projects, coordinate resources, and pursue funding to move those projects forward."
Established through Act 418 of the 2025 Regular Legislative Session and amended by Act 358 of 2026, the CURRENT Authority is tasked with developing a comprehensive Master Plan and corresponding Annual Plans to identify and prioritize projects, coordinate funding and resources, and support implementation across Louisiana's noncoastal region.
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