In support of the 2021 “United for Infrastructure Week” campaign, held May 10-14, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development hosted President Joe Biden (seen above) at the 70 year-old Calcasieu River Bridge – officially named the Louisiana Memorial World War II Bridge – that carries Interstate 10 over Lake Charles.
[Above photo via the Louisiana Governor’s Office]
At that press event, the president touted the infrastructure investments outline within his $2.3 trillion American Jobs Plan proposal, unveiled in late March.
“Infrastructure can jump-start the economy through strategic investments, allow for smoother daily commutes, provide vital utilities for rural communities, and is the solid foundation for our entire society,” noted Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards (D) in a statement following the press event.
“I was pleased to have the opportunity to visit with President Joe Biden during his trip to Louisiana to discuss the state’s infrastructure needs. I am confident that, with the support of his administration, the future is bright for our state’s transportation and infrastructure system,” he added. “The key to getting that work done is in bipartisan leadership on every level of government for the sake of preserving and improving our infrastructure.”
“In Louisiana, we face unique challenges, right down to the very soil on which we build our roads,” noted Shawn Wilson, Ph.D., secretary of the Louisiana DOTD. He also serves as the 2020-2021 vice president for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
“We’ve weathered historic hurricanes, winter storms and a worldwide pandemic, all with our distinctive Louisiana resiliency,” Wilson noted.
“But we steadfastly work every day to maintain our existing infrastructure, modernize our transportation system, address traffic and congestion needs, and capitalize on every available dollar to invest in our roadways,” he said.
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