Legislation will direct $300M annually to transportation infrastructure
Baton Rouge, La. (July 2, 2021) – Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) President and CEO Adam Knapp today released the following statement applauding Governor John Bel Edwards for signing HB514, legislation to gradually redirect up to $300M a year in vehicle sales taxes to infrastructure priorities, into law. The measure will include funding toward a new bridge over the Mississippi River and widening of I-10 to three lanes from LA 30 to LA 22.
“For the first time in decades, the state of Louisiana is making a serious, long-term investment in its infrastructure. BRAC congratulates the state legislature for working together on this bipartisan bill, and the governor for signing it into law. We know that our infrastructure funding has been severely lacking, leading to unprecedented maintenance backlogs and no resources for future-oriented projects. With this rededication of dollars, Louisiana can begin to build back its infrastructure to compete for the jobs and talent that depend on it.
“This substantial investment in our infrastructure will go a long way toward alleviating our traffic woes, upgrading bridges in ill-repair, and is a significant next step in bringing a new Mississippi River Bridge and connectors to the Capital Region. Additionally, right-sizing our infrastructure funding will allow the state to access matching funds from the federal government, an important component in making major priorities like a new bridge possible.”
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