BATON ROUGE, La. — In a major step toward overhauling the state’s infrastructure system, the Louisiana House of Representatives on Monday passed a comprehensive transportation reform package aimed at streamlining the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), expediting project delivery, and improving collaboration with local governments.
The four-bill package, which received overwhelming bipartisan support, is being heralded as a long-overdue modernization of the state’s transportation framework.
“This is the kind of bold action that addresses the concerns of our voters and businesses who are universally frustrated with the slow pace of progress,” said Rep. Ryan Bourriaque (R-Cameron), Chairman of the House Transportation Committee. “This comprehensive package broadly addresses our state’s transportation issues and will significantly transform the way projects are prioritized, managed, and delivered.”
The reform package includes:
- House Bill 528 (passed 97-0): Prohibits the use of Transportation Trust Fund dollars for non-construction expenses. It also establishes the Office of Transformation and identifies key performance indicators to hold the department accountable.
- House Bill 556 (passed 97-0): Modifies the Highway Priority Program, creates a new position of Assistant Secretary for Project Delivery, and requires direct coordination with the legislature and economic development officials on infrastructure planning.
- House Bill 640 (passed 96-2): Establishes the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction, creating a more specialized arm within DOTD to manage construction efforts.
- House Bill 428 (passed 99-0): Extends the reauthorization of the Department of Transportation and Development for an additional two years.
Supporters of the legislation say it reflects a shift toward greater transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness in how infrastructure projects are funded and implemented.
The reform package now moves to the Senate, where it will be referred to the Senate Transportation Committee for further consideration.