Central Louisiana News

LAFAYETTE – Today, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) met with the Mayor of Carencro and then spoke to the Broussard Chamber of Commerce to discuss community improvements through his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and other measures.

“In Broussard and Carencro, there are mayors, business owners, and everyday citizens who are making their towns better,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We’re partnering with them and every community in Lafayette Parish by delivering money for gas and water lines, airports, and I-49 South. Together, we are getting things done for Acadiana.”

Lafayette Parish has benefited significantly from the IIJA. Specifically for Carencro, $3.4 million was awarded last April to improve the safety of high-risk, leak-prone natural gas distribution infrastructure. Additionally, $4.4 million last August went toward residential flood mitigation programs in the parish.

Cassidy has also secured numerous appropriations for Lafayette Parish separate from the IIJA in recent years. The latest were $6 million for a taxiway realignment project at the Lafayette Regional Airport, $5 million for the North Lafayette Galvanized Water Line Replacement Project, and $2 million for the Biomedical Innovation Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Those funds will make Lafayette’s water lines reliable, upgrade its airport, and improve local residents' health.

While in Carencro, Cassidy spoke with Mayor Charlotte Clavier and her team on how to help her community, including fixing drainage issues and creating a recreation center for the town. She thanked him for helping secure enough money from the IIJA to improve their gas lines.

“The City of Carencro was honored to have Senator Cassidy visit our beautiful city,” said Mayor Clavier. “The Senator has always been helpful to our community. He was instrumental in helping us with the $3.4 million PHMSA grant to replace our old cast iron gas lines in the city. That project is being processed and we hope to begin construction in early 2025.”

Later in Broussard, he spoke to business leaders and elected officials, including Mayor Ray Bourque, about infrastructure, energy, and Social Security. In addition to the IIJA’s specific benefits for Lafayette Parish, he touted the joint announcement by him and Governor Jeff Landry of the GUMBO 2.0 broadband program supported by $1.35 billion from the IIJA.

Additionally, he highlighted wins for Louisiana in shaping the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which advanced out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on a bipartisan vote.

Cassidy was welcomed to Broussard by Ms. Lacey Viator, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber.

“We deeply appreciate Senator Cassidy taking the time to address our Chamber and engage with over 100 of our members,” said Lacey Viator. “At the Broussard Chamber of Commerce, our mission is to serve as a vital resource for our business community, keeping them informed about economic trends and their potential impact on local businesses. Senator Cassidy offered valuable insights by discussing his bipartisan infrastructure bill and underscoring the critical importance of safeguarding Louisiana’s energy industry—a priority that resonates strongly with our Broussard Chamber of Commerce members.”

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