Louisiana Governor Issues Statement Urging Congress to Pass Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Published August 03, 2021

From the Louisiana Office of the Governor – Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards issued the following statement urging members of Congress to immediately pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will provide much-needed benefits to Louisiana.

“Infrastructure has always been a priority for my administration, and since taking office in January 2016, we have seen $3.4 billion invested in our state’s infrastructure using all the tools at our disposal.” said Gov. Edwards. “That investment, while significant, isn’t nearly enough to address Louisiana’s needs. But now, with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) currently being considered in the U.S. Senate, this is a very promising time for all Louisianans. The prospect of our state receiving nearly $6 billion from the nationwide allocation of $550 billion gives us hope that our backlog of road and bridge needs will finally get the attention it deserves. Equally important, this bill provides funding and policy certainty for five years.

“Passage of the IIJA will not only allow major improvements to our transportation system and provide jobs for our citizens, but it will also be a step in the right direction to protect our communities against the flooding events that occur throughout our state with a higher frequency. There are several other provisions in the IIJA that will help mitigate the effects of climate change. The IIJA will yield a positive outcome for Louisiana and our nation as a whole. The progress of the act so far in its journey through the U.S. Congress is a brilliant example of how we can come together as one and provide bipartisan solutions to any problems we face. I’d like to thank Senator Bill Cassidy for his efforts in allowing the IIJA to be considered on the Senate floor, and I urge all senators, Democrats and Republicans and Independents alike, to pass this act on behalf of the citizens of Louisiana.”

Related – Louisiana Expected to Receive $5.8 Billion from Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act