1. A. A rural water district means a not-for-profit entity whose purpose is to supply water to residents of rural, unincorporated areas which are not served by parish or municipal water systems.

2. B. All rural water districts are exempt from payment of the utility operator’s annual permit fees for use of DOTD right of way.

   1. 1. The chief engineer or his duly authorized representative may assess reasonable operator’s fees for rural water districts in connection with the issuance of permits to defray the expense of inspection by the department’s employees.

3. C. Additionally, the Department of Transportation and Development may reimburse reasonable expenses incurred by the rural water districts for inspection costs incurred during an inspection for the issuance of a permit when the rural water district performs the following:

   1. 1. If the rural water district requests reimbursement for inspection fees for the issuance of a permit, the rural district shall

      1. a. Provide the DOTD with a cost estimate per unit break down with each permit request including a cost reimbursable estimate of at a minimum one hour of inspector time.
      2. b. The rural water district shall notify DOTD within 72 hours of completing work, and DOTD shall arrange for a final inspection. Failure to notify DOTD within the time limit specified shall relieve DOTD of any responsibility for reimbursement of inspection fees.
      3. c. Upon receipt of the above information, DOTD shall schedule an audit of the rural water district's records. Upon completion of audit, all verifiable inspection expenses to include one rural water district representative for the on-site inspection by DOTD, and other expenses incurred as a direct result of DOTD requests, including but not limited to surveying, excavating, probing may be paid by DOTD.
      4. d. Any expenses which cannot be verified by the DOTD auditor will not be approved for reimbursement.

Authority Note

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 48:381 (E), (H).

Historical Note

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Transportation and Development, Office of Project Delivery, LR 52:78 (January 2026).