We have big things coming our way in the state of Louisiana, whether we would have liked it or not. Two years ago, the Senate passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), teeing the bill up to be signed into law by President Biden. Senator Bill Cassidy served as one of the five lead Republican negotiators who worked to get the IIJA over the finish line and ultimately secure the largest infrastructure investment in Louisiana’s history. With improvements to roads, bridges, clean energy, internet, and more the everyday lives of Louisianans as well as the overall economy of the state, are sure to see significant improvements – despite some of the objections to elements of the package.

When it was passed in 2021, the IIJA made big promises for improvements to the entire nation’s infrastructure. This included $110 billion for roads, $65 billion for strengthening the energy grid, and another $65 billion allocated to broadband expansion. Specific plans for Louisiana were also a part of this bill, including such benefits for our state as the authorization of the I-14 corridor, measures to eliminate federal red tape, and historic funding allocations.

A perfect example came this month with the announcement that Louisiana will see the largest single award in the nation from the IIJA. Our state will receive up to $600 million from the Department of Energy for the planning and construction of Direct Air Capture (DAC) Hubs across the state. A regional development hub, Project Cypress, will be located in southwest Louisiana and will receive an initial $50 million for development so that the hub can begin to capture pollution and help our climate action plan.

Additionally, Louisiana State University also received a sizeable grant for the Pelican-Gulf Coast Carbon Removal project to explore and research further DAC hub opportunities in the state. These awards will bolster Louisiana’s position as a national and international leader in energy and produce thousands of new jobs.

Beyond these specific projects, the IIJA is directing billions toward Louisiana’s well-being and economy. Totaling $6.23 billion, investments include $2.65 billion for roads, bridges, and safety, and another $946 million for the resilience of infrastructure. Additionally, millions will be directed towards improving public airports, ports, railways, and public transportation, ensuring Louisianans throughout the state have safe and efficient transportation.

Economic improvements will also come to our state through environmental protection mechanisms authorized by the IIJA. $247 million will go toward clean water systems and $108 million for environmental remediation. These investments will work to protect our state’s ecosystems and natural habitats.

Senator Cassidy’s seat at the table proved crucial during these negotiations. Our state ranks top 5 nationally for bridge grants, and top 7 for phase-one funding for plugging oil and gas wells. Furthermore, Louisiana is receiving 12.5% of total first-round mega-grants from IIJA for the Calcasieu River Bridge. Statewide, funding will allow for over 300 bridges to be built or upgraded over the next five years. Put simply, our state is clearly a main beneficiary of the IIJA. We are near the top of the list for funding on multiple fronts. Louisiana is getting more than its fair share.

The success of this package for Louisiana and the nation is a testament to the importance of bipartisanship. This shows why partisanship should not get in the way of compromises that offer concrete benefits for American citizens. Senator Cassidy understood this and worked with his Republican and Democratic colleagues to find an agreeable compromise as opposed to obstinately refusing to work together. Because of this cooperation, Louisianans will continue to reap the benefits of the bipartisan infrastructure law for years to come.

Tristan Gruspier previously served as Political Director for the Republican Party of Louisiana.