Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) announced that the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana will receive $1,346,532 from the U.S. Department of Transportation for road safety improvements, funded by his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This funding aims to support the construction of a realignment on CC Bel Road at the S-Curve to address various safety concerns such as narrow road width, steep drainage ditches, inadequate signage, and lack of striping.

"By addressing road safety, we are creating a better environment for families who rely on them," said Dr. Cassidy. "Because I had a seat at the table, the infrastructure law will give Louisiana tribal communities the tools needed to keep people safe on the road."

Transportation fatalities and injuries significantly impact quality of life in Indian country. Under IIJA, 4% of available Tribal Transportation Program (TTP) funds are allocated annually to address transportation safety issues identified by federally recognized Indian tribes through a competitive program. Projects selected aim to reduce fatal and serious injuries in transportation-related incidents.

Cassidy has consistently supported projects aimed at upgrading infrastructure and improving safety around CC Bel Road. Last year, he announced $11,416,689 from IIJA for the Coushatta Tribe for engineering design, environmental compliance, right-of-way acquisition, and construction efforts to upgrade and extend approximately 2.5 miles of CC Bel Road.