The Louisiana Intracoastal Seaway Association (LISA) was created in 1958 as a private non profit organization. Its purpose was to manage and develop Louisiana's coastal water resources. Over the years LISA has become deeply involved with coastal zone management. It was considered a public relations arm of the Louisiana Coastal Commission (LCC), a state regulated agency. The original intent was to have both a private non profit agency and a governmental agency, the LCC, work toward the development of the Louisiana Intracoastal Seaway program in coastal Louisiana. LISA performed promotional and publicity functions, such as lobbying, which the LCC was restricted from doing. Vernon Behrhorst was involved with both organizations, acting as Research Director and Executive Secretary of LISA from 1965 to 1972 and Director of LCC from 1972 until 1977. The LCC was created in 1964 as the Louisiana Intracoastal Seaway Commission. The commission had no budget and was mostly inoperative until 1970, when it was established as the Louisiana Coastal Commission. The LCC was made up of 18 members: one from each of the 12 parishes under its jurisdiction; two appointed by the Governor from a list submitted by both the Louisiana AFofL CIO and the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce; and two appointed by the governor from the state at large. The LCC had the authority to coordinate planning efforts in the areas of water quality, flood control, navigation, conservation of fish and wildlife resources, and environmental enhancement. The LCC also made recommendations for coastal studies and programs consistent with state and local interests which were represented by the LCC members. The LCC was further authorized to plan, establish, construct, own, operate, and maintain navigation channels. The LCC actively participated with other state commissions in establishing a coastal zone management program, and allocated funds to LISA and to state universities for studies relating to coastal zone management affairs. In 1978 LCC ceased being an independent agency when it was made part of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.