Infrastructure

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.