Letters: Federal infrastructure investments benefit Louisiana communities

Thanks to the hard work of local, state and federal leaders, Louisiana is moving forward on a range of critical projects that will help strengthen, modernize and improve the long-term resiliency of our entire infrastructure, including our transportation infrastructure. The much-needed investments made possible by the bipartisan infrastructure law will translate to stronger, safer and more economically vibrant Louisiana communities.

Under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Louisiana has already received $2.7 billion to invest in our roads, bridges and other major highway projects across the state — with more to come. In Jefferson and Plaquemines parishes, which I am proud to represent, these federal dollars are already going to good use, funding major rehabilitation, expansion and construction projects that will improve quality of life and spur economic growth in local communities while creating much-needed jobs for hardworking Louisianans.

The IIJA created an $8.7 billion program to help states like Louisiana improve the overall resiliency of our transportation infrastructure, evacuation routes and at-risk coastal areas. In fact, according to U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, the IIJA represents the largest investment in infrastructure and coastal resiliency in Louisiana’s history. As the natural threats facing our coastal and inland areas continue to increase, these vital investments will help ensure our infrastructure and our communities are better prepared to weather any storm that might come our way.

These federal infrastructure investments will help us continue our work to grow a stronger, more robust economy that benefits all Louisianans while also ensuring our state’s core transportation infrastructure is up to date and ready to address our most pressing economic and environmental concerns.

I urge our entire congressional delegation to continue supporting and passing commonsense, pro-growth infrastructure policies that will help secure a stronger, safer future for all Louisianans.

PATRICK CONNICK

Louisiana State senator, District 8

chairman of the Senate Transportation, Highways & Public Works Committee