“The economic success of Louisiana and our nation is reliant on a robust and safe system of infrastructure, which is why maintaining and upgrading our roads, bridges, rail and waterways is one of my highest priorities in Congress.”
The United States infrastructure has received an overall rating of a D+ from the American Society of Civil Engineers. Nowhere are these deficiencies more prevalent than in Louisiana’s 3rd District.
Southwest Louisiana is expected to receive nearly $120 billion in private endeavor funding for new and expanded industrial operations. This is the largest investment surge of its kind in the United States and the world. However, these critical investments will be jeopardized without significant federal and state support.
In my district, the best example of our infrastructure needs is the dredging of the Calcasieu Channel (CC). The Lake Charles Port is completely reliant on the CC for access to the Gulf, and many new projects and endeavors are reliant on the Port to be financially successful. For years, the Army Corps of Engineers has failed to properly dredge the channel to the required dimensions of 400 feet wide and 40 feet deep. Annual maintenance of the CC is estimated to cost $40 million, which is a modest investment of tax dollars considering the $400 million in tax revenue that the Port sends to D.C. each year.
In fact, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that every dollar invested in infrastructure results in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth anywhere between $1 and $2.50. It is time to upgrade our state’s infrastructure and promote positive economic growth that with benefit businesses, communities, and families.
More on Infrastructure
Higgins Announces $3M for Youngsville Road Safety Improvements
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that the City of Youngsville will receive $3,034,575 in federal funding from the Department of Transportation (DOT) for road safety...
Higgins Announces $3.7M for 3rd District Airports
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that three airports in Louisiana’s 3rd District will receive $3,763,738 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of...
Higgins Announces $40.4M in Funding for Projects in Louisiana’s 3rd District
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that Louisiana’s 3rd District will receive $40,400,000 in Community Project Funding through H. Res. 1061, which passed the U.S....
Higgins Advocates for Calcasieu Ship Channel, Louisiana Priorities in Water Resources Development Act
WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today, advocating that changes to the Calcasieu Ship Channel and other...
Higgins Issues Statement On I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Replacement Plan
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...