If you’ve followed the headlines over the last several months, you know the state’s road conditions and transportation needs have been big news.
Business and civic leaders from communities across the state have bound together in an effort to raise awareness of the deplorable road conditions and multi-billion (yeah, $14 billion and counting) backlog in needs and repairs.
It’s a public relations push not witnessed in recent years and one that stands to reap huge benefits—increased dollars, innovative funding sources and best of all, a new way of thinking—when it comes to new transportation infrastructure in Louisiana.
People are talking…and that’s a huge first step…given the Legislature faces the largest budget surplus in state history when it convenes later this month.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD) has been promised $400 million of the surplus, however it’s a mere drop in the bucket when compared to the mountainous backlog.
The opportunity to invest in our state’s poor roads and bridges is now.
Louisiana, unlike many other states, has progressive legislation in place to utilize innovative financing methods to fund and construct new infrastructure. Recently passed public-private partnership legislation allows the LA DOTD to use private investors to fund new highway, bridges and other facilities.
With investors waiting, finding a dedicated funding source is the main obstacle to construction.
Tolls are a great option for infrastructure built for increased capacity—additional interstate lanes, bypasses around cities, etc.
Like the TIMED Program, a dedicated gasoline and motor fuels tax is another option and is paid by all who buy fuel at the pump…including out-of-state motorists who comprise a large percentage of interstate travelers.
What does $0.04 per gallon get Louisiana residents in improved infrastructure, you may ask? Over 536 miles of improved highway, a new Mississippi River Bridge, two additional major bridge improvements, among others.
With such a long list of needy transportation projects, the state faces a difficult task. But until we open up to new ideas and new methods, many of which are in place, the backlog will only continue to grow.
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