Louisiana received approximately $216 million for road and infrastructure projects as part of the federal 2020 Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, the $1.4 trillion relief package.
Under the act, states can use $155 million at their discretion while $11 million must be used for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, $20 million for the largest metro areas, and $30 million for bridge repair and/or replacement.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) selected projects identified through hearings on the Highway Priority Program and through technical analyses and legislative and public input.
“We will certainly use these funds to replace funds that were lost as a result of the coronavirus and apply them to some of the most needed projects in all regions of Louisiana,” DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson said. “Unlike previous federal bills, these funds can be used for operating costs. While none will be used for DOTD salaries, supplies, or travel, we will replace some of our heavy equipment used by district forces in maintaining our state-owned highways and bridges.”
A total of $26 million will be distributed to the district offices for replacing equipment and easing congestion.
The remaining funds will be distributed to preservation projects, major investments, and direct category expenditures.