You’ve just completed your first year as governor. How has the experience been so far, and what has been your biggest challenge?
Serving as the Governor of Louisiana has been the most rewarding experience of my career. I am incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made, especially in reducing violent crime and overhauling our outdated tax code, which has long hindered our state’s growth. However, the biggest challenge has been dealing with a federal administration focused on policies that harm our key industries. Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic, knowing that come January, we’ll see a shift in the federal landscape that will benefit Louisiana and its economy.
Infrastructure is a critical issue for Louisiana. What have been your primary goals for improving the state’s infrastructure since taking office?
Since taking office, my administration’s primary goal for improving Louisiana’s infrastructure has been restructuring the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). We’ve partnered with the Louisiana Coalition to Fix Our Roads (LCFOR), a group of business leaders dedicated to enhancing the state’s transportation systems; and, together with the Legislature, we’ve leveraged both public and private funding to identify key deficiencies within DOTD and to outline a comprehensive plan for improvement. We’ve already begun implementing this plan, and we are working tirelessly to increase efficiency and rebuild DOTD’s relationship with both the Legislature and the public.
Louisiana’s ports are a major economic driver. How does the state plan to support and expand port infrastructure over the coming years?
To support and expand Louisiana’s port infrastructure in the coming years, I joined Rep. Mark Wright and Sen. Pat Connick to create the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission. This Commission brings together all key government stakeholders—Louisiana Economic Development, the Office of Multimodal Commerce, and the Legislature—along with representatives from our deepwater ports, coastal ports, inland ports, the trucking industry, and the rail industry. Working collaboratively, this Commission is developing a statewide master plan and recommending funding mechanisms to ensure our ports are properly funded—further driving economic development and positioning Louisiana as a leader in global trade.
How are you balancing infrastructure needs across urban and rural areas to ensure all communities benefit from improvements?
The best way to balance infrastructure needs across urban and rural areas is through programs like the Highway Priority Program. This Program is designed to be apolitical, ranking projects based on their actual need rather than political influence. By focusing on the most pressing infrastructure needs across both urban and rural communities, we can make certain that improvements are made where they are most needed, benefiting all areas of the state equitably. This approach helps ensure that every community, whether urban or rural, sees the infrastructure improvements it requires to thrive.
Securing funding for large-scale infrastructure projects can be challenging. What steps is your administration taking to access federal resources or attract private investments?
Since taking office in January, I have been committed to leveraging public-private partnerships (P3) to advance the megaprojects that our state has long needed. Earlier this year, we finalized a deal with Calcasieu Bridge Partners, allowing work to begin on this critical project. I view this partnership as a model for future P3s, where we can bring together public resources and private investment in ways that benefit all stakeholders, especially Louisiana’s citizens. By continuing to pursue these innovative partnerships, we will secure the necessary funding to tackle large-scale infrastructure projects effectively.
Resilience is key for infrastructure in a state prone to hurricanes and flooding. How are you prioritizing climate-resilient construction and retrofitting in ongoing projects?
To make Louisiana more resilient to hurricanes and flooding, I’ve been implementing a whole-of-government approach. Through my Chief Resilience Officer, who chairs the Resilience Taskforce, we are evaluating all options and working towards a comprehensive statewide resilience plan. Additionally, we’ve established an inter-agency coordination team that ensures resilience is integrated into every aspect of our infrastructure programs. This approach ensures that resilient construction and retrofitting are prioritized in all ongoing projects, strengthening our infrastructure to withstand future storms and floods – like it did with the recent Hurricane Francine.
What specific infrastructure projects can Louisianans expect to see progress on in the next year?
In the next year, the most consequential infrastructure project is the replacement of the Calcasieu River Bridge. As I mentioned earlier, replacing this bridge is not only crucial for Louisiana’s economy but also for the nation’s. This project will improve vital transportation links, benefiting our local communities and the broader region. It is a key priority for my administration, and we are committed to seeing it through to completion.
Looking ahead, what would you say is the most pressing long-term infrastructure need for Louisiana?
I believe one of the most pressing long-term infrastructure needs for Louisiana is addressing our outdated and deteriorating roads and bridges. These critical assets are essential not just for daily commutes, but for the economic health of our state. Many of our roads and bridges are aging and no longer meet the demands of our population and expanding economy. Inadequate infrastructure can lead to costly delays, safety risks, and hinder the flow of goods, especially through our vital ports and transportation networks. We need a comprehensive, strategic plan to replace and repair these outdated roads and bridges to ensure that Louisiana can continue to thrive. This will involve securing dedicated funding, cutting red tape, and working with local and federal partners to expedite these projects. By investing in modernizing our infrastructure, we can improve public safety, boost job creation, and enhance the quality of life for all Louisianians.
