OOIDA Call to Action - Louisiana Members
May 8, 2006

Attention: Louisiana truckers! There is a bill in the Louisiana Legislature that you should be aware of. The bill - HB1294 - would allow the state to partner with private businesses to build toll roads and bridges or expand an existing facility.

Sponsored by Rep. Roy Quezaire, D-Donaldsonville, the bill initially applied to projects, dubbed "megaprojects," costing at least $250 million. However, the threshold was withdrawn in committee. As currently written, any road project could be offered to private groups.

Affected projects could include the expansion of Interstate 10 or the completion of the southern leg of Interstate 49 from Lafayette to the West Ban Expressway in New Orleans.

Any state project by a private contractor would go before the House and Senate transportation panels for a review hearing. However, lawmakers couldn't reject proposed deals.

The bill is headed to the House floor. If it is approved, HB1294 would move to the Senate for further consideration before heading to Gov. Kathleen Blanco's desk. You are encouraged to share with your House lawmaker your thoughts on leasing or selling vital infrastructure.

To contact House members, click here. You can also call OOIDA's Membership Department at 1-800-444-5791 and they'll look up the contact information for you.