Jindal names T’bonne levee appointments

Seven reappointments and one replacement comprise a list of eight commissioners named to lead the Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District. A ninth member to the board has yet to be nominated.

The roll of appointees by Gov. Bobby Jindal was released Friday, but still must be confirmed by the state Senate.

Joining returning commissioners as a new addition is Lee Shaffer. A resident of Schriever, Shaffer is president of Southern investigative Services, and a sales representative for Carbotec Inc.

Shaffer was named to replace Gilbert Talbot Sr., who died on June 29. An initial board vacancy came upon the death of Willis Henry on Feb. 21, 2011.

Reappointed members include Tony Alford of Alford, Staples, Lapeyre and Robicheaux Insurance in Houma, Vacco Marine Inc. logistics manager Carl Chauvin Sr. of Chauvin, Buddy’s Seafood and Buddy Daisy and Sons owner Walton “Buddy” Daisy of Theriot; Guidry Group Inc. owner Darrin Guidry of Houma; Leward “Sou” Henry of Houma; Terrebonne Parish School District risk manager Jack Moore of Montegut; and Island Operating Co. lease operator Howard Pinkston of Gibson.

The Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District Board of Commissioners is responsible for maintaining the integrity of levees and maintenance associated with those structures. This group is also credited with leading efforts in constructing the Morganza to the Gulf storm protection system.

According to state statutes, the governor appoints one commissioner from nominations submitted by each member of the Terrebonne Parish legislative delegation.

The Terrebonne Parish President, with approval from the Parish Council, submits recommendations of parish residents living both north and south of the Intracoastal Waterway. The governor then appoints one member from each of those respective areas.

If the nine seats of the commission are not filled, veterans organizations from the parish may submit nominations for appointment and the legislative delegation may submit members at-large until all seats are filled.

“Levee District commissioners serve a term concurrent with the governor,” Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District Executive Director Reggie Dupre said. “I’m pleased with the appointments that have been made. With us moving forward with all our projects I’m glad to have the appointments resolved.”

The mission of the Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District includes engaging in flood control works as related to hurricane protection, tidal or riverine flooding, saltwater intrusion and conservation.

The Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District Board of Commissioners convenes the first Monday and second Tuesday of the month at 220-A Clendenning Rd. in Houma.