Three lawsuits filed last week are challenging key aspects of the RiverPlex MegaPark’s development, alleging state and federal agencies failed to follow required legal processes tied to public funding, bond issuance and cultural preservation. Go deeper Read a Business Report story about how the Ri verPlex MegaPark came to be. The litigation was brought by a group of local and environmental organizations that includes Rural Roots Louisiana, the Louisiana Bucket Brigade and Mt. Triumph Baptist Church. Two of the lawsuits were filed in state court, while a third was filed in federal court. One state lawsuit, filed by Rural Roots Louisiana, the Louisiana Bucket Brigade and Pastor Harry Joseph Sr., targets Louisiana Economic Development and the Division of Administration over a cooperative endeavor agreement with Hyundai. The plaintiffs allege the agreement—which commits the state to more than $200 million in direct spending—was not properly submitted for review or disclosed to the public as required under Louisiana law. They argue such agreements must be reviewed by the State Bond Commission and subject to public notice requirements. According to the filing, no record exists of the agreement being presented to the Bond Commission, and no public notice was issued. The plaintiffs are asking the court to declare the agreement null and void. LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois, however, says the state “followed all laws and established processes” in securing the Hyundai project. “We are confident in the cooperative endeavor agreement,” Bourgeois says. “These types of claims from organizations and individuals trying to halt progress in this state does not change the fact that this project went through appropriate channels. It is both unfortunate and ironic this small audience continues to try and limit opportunities for the very same citizens they claim to champion.” A second state lawsuit, filed by the same plaintiffs, targets the Port of South Louisiana. That petition challenges the port’s preliminary authorization of up to $400 million in revenue bonds intended to fund construction of a major dock and related infrastructure supporting industrial development on Ascension’s west bank. The plaintiffs allege the port failed to publish notice of the bond issuance in the state’s official journal. Under Louisiana law, such notice is required and prompts a 30-day window during which the public can challenge the validity of the bonds. The lawsuit seeks to block the bond issuance until proper notice is given. The Port of South Louisiana says the claims raised in the lawsuit are “without merit” and that it did indeed comply with all applicable laws and public notice requirements. “The plaintiffs’ legal arguments rely on statutes that simply do not apply to the Port of South Louisiana, underscoring that this filing is not about transparency or process, but about delay. … We are confident in the legality of the port’s actions and we will continue to exercise transparency,” says Micah Cormier, spokesperson for the Port of South Louisiana. A third lawsuit, filed in federal court by Rural Roots Louisiana, Mt. Triumph Baptist Church and Pastor Harry Joseph Sr., targets the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The plaintiffs allege the Corps allowed CF Industries to conduct “extensive ground-disturbing activities” before identifying and protecting burial sites of enslaved people believed to be located on the site and before consulting descendants. They argue the Corps was required under federal law to consider how the project would affect historic properties and to consult with interested parties “early and meaningfully,” yet did not do so. The lawsuit seeks an injunction halting all activities on the site pending a full review in consultation with the plaintiffs and other concerned members of the descendant community. The Army Corps of Engineers had not responded to a request for comment as of this morning’s publication deadline. Read a Business Report story about how the RiverPlex MegaPark came to be.  ...read more read less