BATON ROUGE, L.A. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) toured Southern University and A&M College with White House Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson, Southern University President-Chancellor Dennis Shields and other elected officials and stakeholders to observe ongoing projects from federal investments he championed.
“Southern University’s physical plant has been neglected for the last 40 years,” said Rep. Carter. “Last year, I was able to obtain a $7.62 million investment from the USDA’s Emergency Watershed Protection Program to protect this beautiful community space from tumbling down the bluff. However, there is so much more that needs to be done. Today, I was grateful to be able to show Senior Advisor Landrieu the $295,000,000 in physical plant needs and receive his commitment to helping address them.”
During the tour, Congressman Carter and the group visited several university areas, including the engineering and science buildings, the student center, and the historic A.W. Mumford Field. They also walked along the bluff, where they observed the progress of the erosion control project funded by the USDA investment. The group discussed the challenges the university and the surrounding community faced, including the need for more funding to improve infrastructure and facilities.
Rep. Carter emphasized the importance of Southern University to the Baton Rouge community and the state of Louisiana. He highlighted the many contributions that the university has made to the region over the years, including its role as a major employer and economic driver. He also emphasized the importance of providing students with the best possible education and facilities to ensure their success.
Senior Advisor Landrieu and Secretary Wilson expressed their support for the university and the need for continued investment in its infrastructure. They acknowledged the challenges faced by the university and the community and committed to working with Rep. Carter to secure additional funding to address these needs.
The tour was productive and informative, and the group left with a renewed determination to work together to secure the funding necessary to improve Southern University and the Baton Rouge community. With the commitment of Rep. Carter, Senior Advisor Landrieu, Secretary Wilson, and other elected officials, Southern University is well on its way to securing the funding it needs to continue to be a vital institution in the region.