I-49 update

The Louisiana House has approved a pair of bills that would supply funds to complete that state’s portion of Interstate 49 from Shreveport to the Arkansas line. A separate bill also would dedicate revenue for the project. The biggest difference between the two is that Rep. Roy Burrell's (D-Shreveport) bill – HB321 – says the money can only be spent with an appropriation by the Legislature. Rep. Billy Montgomery's (R-Haughton) bill – HB531 – allows the Louisiana Transportation Authority to appropriate the money as needed for construction.

A delegation from Northwest Louisiana consisting of Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover (also a former member of the Louisiana House) and others will travel to the state capitol in Baton Rouge on June 5 to speak to legislators.