The Department of Transportation and Development has been awarded a $150 million Mega Grant from the federal government to go towards the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson said this is welcome news.
“This is really a good sign that we have a very competitive project, that we had a very well-done application that the department had been working on and that this helps further the public subsidy needed to reduce tolls to their lowest possible rate to actually deliver this project,” said Wilson.
As of today, Wilson said with this grant included the state is at $550 million and he recognizes the project is estimated to cost $1.5 billion.
“But this is good news for Louisiana it is a welcomed Christmas gift and an indication of what we can do with infrastructure dollars if given an opportunity to lead,” said Wilson.
Wilson said there are so many other projects across the country that Louisiana has to compete with for federal grants, so this particular allotment is significant. He also thanked Senator Bill Cassidy and Congressman Troy Carter for their support of the Biden Administration’s Infrastructure Act.
“For getting these dollars and these applications out on the street, so quick so soon, and making decisions that are going to change the lives of people and change the face of the communities, and Lake Charles is going to be a recipient of some of those dollars,” said Wilson.
Wilson added that Louisiana’s entire Congressional delegation signed off on a letter requesting the funds in May.
Comments