Louisiana Set to Receive $134 Million More in Federal Funding to Improve Infrastructure Resilience

Baton Rouge, Louisiana – The Federal Highway Administration recently unveiled a new initiative geared at protecting against the consequences of climate change and the expenses of extreme weather events, according to the Louisiana Office of the Governor. This new Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Formula Program will provide Louisiana with approximately $134 million over the next five years, with $25 million expected this fiscal year.

This financing will be utilized for construction projects that will improve the state highway system’s resilience to natural catastrophes and climate change effects such as sea level rise and increased flooding. The projects that will get this funding are still being defined; however, typical enhancements will include, to mention a few, roadway elevations, scour protection for bridges, and upgrades to the stabilization of side slopes in high-risk regions.

“Louisianans have seen first-hand the impact severe weather can have on our infrastructure,” said Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. “Flooded roads, overwhelmed pumps, and vulnerable bridges are all too common. This announcement is another step in making critical infrastructure improvements to improve quality of life, increase safety, and grow our economy. I would like to thank President Biden, Senator Cassidy, and Representative Troy Carter for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that made this funding available.”

“We have a large number of bridges that stand to be elevated and can benefit from the PROTECT dollars as well as surface streets,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. “Whether it’s a large rain or a hurricane or a flood issue, those dollars will tremendously come in handy. Pumping capacity is also essential for life here in Louisiana. It is a good opportunity for us to strategically modernize our pumping capacity to protect citizens, not just in their daily lives, but in their evacuation purposes as well. We see resilience not just as responding to hurricanes, but being better and building back better, but building back smarter as well.”