Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy hosted his final rural community funding summit of 2024 in Baton Rouge, aiming to connect local leaders with opportunities from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The initiative focuses on improving infrastructure, including roads and water systems, while reducing flood risks.

“We have a partnership with mayors and other leaders in the Capital Region to use the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill to meet the needs of this growing community,” said Dr. Cassidy. He highlighted ongoing projects like replacing gas lines in Donaldsonville and East Feliciana.

Cassidy addressed the West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce, noting that communities in the Capital Region have significantly benefited from IIJA. Recent grants include over $2.54 million for Iberville Parish and $1.87 million for Morganza to upgrade natural gas pipes. Additionally, Louisiana received $88.3 million for Phase One of the LA 415 Interconnector Project.

Other regional projects include over $10.4 million from a drinking water fund for Livingston Ward 2 Water District and West Feliciana Parish, $30 million to replace aging gas pipes in Donaldsonville, over $33 million for dredging along the Atchafalaya River, over $39 million for improvements to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and $100 million for a lithium hexafluorophosphate manufacturing plant in St. Gabriel.

Community leaders expressed gratitude towards Cassidy's efforts. Mayor Ryland Percy of Gonzales appreciated his leadership on infrastructure and energy issues: “I also appreciate his work to protect the energy industry that keeps people here.”

Ms. Anna Johnson from the West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce added: “Thanks to Senator Cassidy...his infrastructure bill will make it easier for them [residents] to get to work.”

Cassidy also toured Turner Industries’ facility in Port Allen, which constructs modules for industrial facilities such as refineries and LNG plants.

“Turner is building modules for the Venture Global plant,” stated Dr. Cassidy during his visit.

Turner's facility features extensive module assembly capabilities along an intracoastal waterway, supporting job creation across Louisiana.

Earlier this month, Cassidy convened a summit focused on energy security and introduced legislation aimed at countering foreign competition impacting Louisiana’s manufacturers.

Stephen Toups, CEO of Turner Industries, thanked Cassidy: “Our state has supported so many energy projects...we are supporting the Senators vision to keep America energy independent.”