Louisiana legislators are considering significant changes to the state Department of Transportation and Development in an effort to improve the pace of road and bridge construction and maintenance. The proposed overhaul includes the creation of a new Office of Louisiana Highway Construction outside of the department and the privatization of many services. Four bills presented by House transportation committee chair Ryan Bourriaque were approved in committee, reflecting frustration with the slow progress on infrastructure projects in the state.
If passed, House Bill 621 would establish the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction under the Division of Administration, responsible for planning, engineering, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of nonfederal aid highways. Other bills would create a new Office of Transformation within DOTD and privatize equipment repair shops and project management, aiming to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
While some details of the proposed changes are still being finalized, discussions between legislators and Transportation Department Secretary Joe Donahue are ongoing. Donahue emphasizes the need for increased funding to truly address the state’s infrastructure needs. As legislators work through the proposed bills and potential amendments, the focus remains on finding ways to accelerate infrastructure projects and address longstanding traffic issues in Louisiana.
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