WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued the following statement in response to the Louisiana Legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee vote against the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s (LADOTD) proposed Public-Private Partnership (P3) to replace the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge.
“The $2.1 billion cost for the P3 needs to be explained. That’s two thousand and one hundred million. When my office started pushing the bridge project 7 years ago, there was no definitive plan, but the rough projected cost was $600-$700 million. Through the years, every time we got a new estimate, Governor John Bel Edward’s team raised the cost. I understand that inflation has impacted prices on everything since 2017… but not by triple. I don’t trust the State’s cost estimate. We have to look very hard at exactly how much a beautiful new bridge at I-10 in Lake Charles should actually cost. Then, whatever that amount is, we’ll get it done. I communicated the same to LADOTD years ago, as the bridge footprint and funding model were being debated. However, LADOTD and Governor Edwards’ team opted to pursue a P3.
“I look forward to working with Governor-Elect Jeff Landry, his LADOTD team, and the Southwest Louisiana legislative delegation to ensure this critical infrastructure priority moves forward. My office stands ready to assist the State in securing additional federal investment for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge, and we will support any application for federal resources submitted by the State.”
