Transportation Task Force meets in Lafayette
Thursday, September 29, 2016 at 10:55:56 AM
LAFAYETTE, La. – With just over three months until a funding recommendation is submitted to the Governor, the Task Force on Transportation Infrastructure Investment continued regional discussions yesterday in Lafayette regarding transportation investment solutions.
In partnership with the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA), Acadiana Planning Commission (APC) and One Acadiana, today’s regional meeting was held at the Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise (LITE) Center.
“Our ultimate goal is to have a world class transportation system that we all can be proud of,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. “What we’re doing in infrastructure and what we want to do for our state is bring people here who are world class that will do world class things. That starts with a world class transportation system.”
Echoing the need for sustainable transportation funding, community and business leaders also expressed a desire to focus on interconnectivity of rural and urban routes and make regional airports and ports more competitive.
“I applaud the task force for their work to identify funding for Louisiana’s infrastructure. Our hope after this meeting is that the Task Force will go home with a new understanding of the region’s transportation needs. When you invest in transportation, not just in Acadiana but across the state, it has greater impacts on the community, economic development, and businesses and how we grow forward,” said Monique Boulet, APC CEO.
“The most important thing you can do for economic development is build a road. I support the efforts of the Task Force as they work to come up with funding mechanisms to continue building roads across the state,” said LEDA President and CEO Gregg Gothreaux.
“The formation of the Task Force has helped to lay the foundation for significant conversations on how we not only fund infrastructure throughout the state, but how we can be successful on all levels. To succeed as a region, as a state, now is the time to make a decision about how we invest in 21st century infrastructure,” said One Acadiana President Jason El Koubi.
“This Task Force is committed to not just funding, but investing in infrastructure. The decisions we make today regarding how we invest in Louisiana’s infrastructure can create economic opportunities for years to come,” said Louisiana State Senator Page Cortez.
In June 2016, Governor Edwards announced the formation of the Task Force on Transportation Infrastructure Investment. The Task Force is working to find investment solutions to address transportation needs in Louisiana.
Funding recommendations by the Task Force will be submitted by January 1, 2017.
For more information on the Governor’s Task Force on Transportation please visit the Task Force web page.
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