Central Louisiana News

This afternoon, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Monroe Street Corridor Project in Ruston. The project aims to enhance roads and provide more space for runners and cyclists, particularly benefiting areas like Louisiana Tech University.

Senator Cassidy remarked, "This street is an example of when Louisiana leaders serving in Washington connect with local leaders in Louisiana. I was pleased to combine my efforts with those locally to carry out a vision that makes Ruston and Louisiana better for our citizens."

The project received significant support from a $17.1 million RAISE Transportation Discretionary Grant, which promises over $3.47 in net public benefits per dollar invested. Enhancements include revitalized brownfield sites and LED lighting installations, contributing to safer conditions for drivers, joggers, and cyclists.

Funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) has also been instrumental. This year alone, over $10 million from the IIJA was allocated to projects across Lafourche, Plaquemines, and St. Tammany Parishes. In addition, $900,000 went to the Ruston Regional Airport and $7.5 million was secured for utility upgrades in Ruston and semiconductor research at Louisiana Tech.

Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson and Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker hosted Cassidy at the event. Mayor Walker expressed gratitude: "This project will make it easier for our neighbors, students and visitors to travel through Ruston... We appreciate Senator Cassidy’s support of this project."

Cassidy also engaged with the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln Parish Police Jury about opportunities within the IIJA for local infrastructure projects. He emphasized partnerships as key: “Lincoln Parish and Louisiana Tech are examples... That is only possible thanks to our partnership with elected officials, business leaders and university officials dedicated to this community.”

Thomas Graham of the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber introduced Cassidy at their meeting while Courtney Hall welcomed him at the Lincoln Parish Police Jury office.

Mr. Graham said, “We always enjoy hosting Senator Cassidy... We are grateful to Senator Cassidy for his steadfast leadership." Mr. Hall added appreciation for discussions on federal funding: “Lincoln Parish is experiencing unprecedented growth... ensuring that our transportation infrastructure keeps up with that rapid growth.”