Louisiana Gov. Bel Edwards this week signed off on a capital outlay bill that will provide almost $1.5 billion into construction and infrastructure improvement projects for the state.
“From road and highway construction to education and coastal restoration projects, the 2019 capital outlay bill prioritizes and funds critical infrastructure improvements across the state,” Edwards said. “As a result of our firm fiscal footing, we have been able to appropriate more dollars in infrastructure projects that will grow our communities and improve the quality of life in Louisiana.”
More than $300 million has been allocated to the Department of Transportation and Development and $53 million for the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, while the rest of the funding was allotted to specific types of projects under the new law. Of these, nearly $30 million was set out for airport infrastructure improvements, $94 million for road and bridge construction, nearly $40 million for water infrastructure, $31 million for sewer and wastewater improvements, and $246 million for education construction projects.
Edwards issued six line-item vetos, which included infrastructure improvements in Acadia Parish, new pavilion construction at South Bossier Park, and outdoor lighting for a multipurpose venue at Bossier Community College. The six projects totaled about $18.5 million.