Central Louisiana News

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) met with members of CRISIS (Capital Region Industry for Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions) in Baton Rouge to discuss the benefits of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for improving the region's transportation grid. Dr. Cassidy emphasized the support the infrastructure plan provides to private industry efforts in making commuting easier for employees and residents.

"Private industry is working to make it easier for their employees and neighbors to get back to work and back home," said Dr. Cassidy. "The infrastructure plan is supporting those efforts by sending billions to Louisiana for new roads and bridges. This is another reason why we should feel positive about our future."

Highlighting the impact of the IIJA, Dr. Cassidy announced last month that the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development would receive $88.3 million for the LA-415 Interconnector Project (Phase 1). This funding will alleviate traffic congestion and improve commuting for residents and workers in West Baton Rouge Parish.

During the meeting, Dr. Cassidy also addressed the importance of workforce development, particularly for those in the energy industry. The IIJA provides funding for workforce development projects, and $450,000 was allocated to the Baton Rouge North Economic Development District for their HBCU Decarbonization Workforce Development Program in June.

CRISIS, founded by the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, and the Center for Planning Excellence, serves as a unified leadership voice advocating for the transportation needs of the Capital Region. The organization focuses on short-term, medium-term, and long-term projects to address congestion and ensure a sustainable transportation grid.

Chairman of CRISIS, Mr. Kevin McCarroll, expressed his appreciation for Senator Cassidy's support and the opportunities for federal funding. He emphasized the importance of the region's partnership with the federal delegation in funding essential road and bridge projects.

"It was good to hear from Senator Cassidy about the opportunities for federal funding that can come to the Capital Region," said Mr. McCarroll. "Our region's partnership with our federal delegation will continue to be very important for us as we fund the major road and bridge projects we need in this region."

The meeting between Senator Bill Cassidy and CRISIS leadership in Baton Rouge highlighted the positive impact of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on the region's transportation infrastructure. With funding allocated for key projects and support for workforce development, the future of transportation in the Capital Region looks promising.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cassidy-meets-with-crisis-leadership-in-baton-rouge-on-transportation/