On Tuesday, the Louisiana House of Representatives passed a transformative package of four bills that overhauls the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) from the ground up. Designed to streamline operations, speed up project delivery, and strengthen communication with local officials and residents, these reforms mark a major shift toward a more efficient and accountable DOTD.

Transportation Committee Chairman Ryan Bourriaque (R-Cameron) called the legislation a long-overdue modernization effort that will significantly improve infrastructure and quality of life across Louisiana.

The transportation reform package includes:

• HB 528 (approved 97-0) prohibiting the use of Transportation Trust Fund dollars to cover costs not associated with construction of roads and bridges, establishing the Office of Transformation, and identifying key performance indicators,
• HB 556 (approved 97-0) changing the highway priority program, creating an Assistant Secretary for Project Delivery position, and calling for direct coordination with the legislature and economic development officials on determining infrastructure priorities,
• HB 640 (approved 96-2) establishing the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction, and
• HB 428 (approved 99-0) extending the creation of the Department of Transportation for two years.

“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.  This comprehensive package broadly addresses our state’s transportation issues and will significantly transform the way projects are prioritized, managed and delivered,” said Representative Bourriaque. 

The package of bills now heads to the Senate for referral to the Senate Transportation Committee for consideration. 

Courtesy of the Legislative Communications Office