Issue Position: Infrastructure

Issue Position

Louisiana has an expansive infrastructure and transportation system including not only the many interstates passing through the state but also the countless number of important nation ports along our coasts, so with so many assets like these, why is Louisiana falling behind in infrastructure and transportation? Louisiana's roads average a maintenance and construction grade of D, while also having a $14 billion backlog in maintenance and $15 billion needs in megaproject construction. This means that some of Louisiana's taxes paid to go towards transportation is not going towards new construction, but actually going towards paying off old megaprojects. This is taking away from Louisiana's infrastructure funding, which also has not increased in almost 30 years. These issues also exacerbate the problem that Louisiana no longer has the recurring revenues to match all the federal dollars available to the state. Louisiana must do something in order to improve its economic competitiveness and falling behind neighboring states.

According to US News, Louisiana ranks 47th in the nation in infrastructure while a state so close to home, Florida, ranks 1st. Florida engages in tolling and public-private partnerships in order to fund its new projects and ongoing maintenance. 29 states including Alabama and Arkansas raised gas tax since 2013, but this is not Louisiana's problem. Louisiana isn't struggling in infrastructure because of not enough funding. We are struggling because the money is not making it to the roads but rather being used to pay off old debts and a "top-heavy" Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD).

In order to make Louisiana 40th in infrastructure in 4 years, Louisiana must look at three different aspects of infrastructure: local roads, new construction/interstates, and administrative concerns. The process first starts with the continuing of the state returning control of more roads and highways to local municipalities. We need to allow local governments to generate revenue as they see fit to address the $14 billion backlog of maintenance needed. We cannot continue to pay higher taxes without receiving local infrastructure support. For new construction projects, Louisiana must utilize a combination of toll roads along with public-private partnerships in order to access federal matching dollars. These projects must encourage the expansion and development of new businesses and should be prioritized on projected economic impact in the area. The combination of these solutions would allow the state to decrease the size and overhead of the DOTD and allow for a more nimble and efficient administration. By using infrastructure funding in a more efficient way while allowing local governments to have a say in the construction of their own roads and highways, Louisiana's infrastructure could be greatly improved.

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