JEREMY STINE STATE SENATOR COMMITTEES DISTRICT 27 canoe Relations SENATE STATE OF LOUISIANA October 27, 2023 Subject: Urgent Need for Adequate Funding for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Dear Editor, We, the Southwest Louisiana Delegation, wish to discuss a significant achievement and a critical issue that affects both our community and the nation as a whole. ‘After much dedication and unrelenting efforts, we are pleased to announce that we have secured $800 million in funding for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge replacement project. This remarkable achievement emphasizes our strong commitment to improving the safety and efficiency of our regional transportation network. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who played pivotal roles in making this funding possible, as it wll undoubtedly have a long-lasting, positive impact on our community. However, as we celebrate this success, we must also acknowledge the challenges that remain. WI million is substantial, it falls short of the financial requirements needed to complete the its current form. The significant increase in the cost of the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge replacement can be primarily attributed to the Department of Transportation and Development's (DOTD) expanded scope of this project. Initially intended as a bridge replacement, it has evolved into a much larger endeavor, not only involving ‘the construction of the bridge itself but also a comprehensive redevelopment of the entire transportation corridor, This ambitious undertaking extends from Ryan Street on the East to 1-210 on the West, surpassing the initial project requirements. While the goal of improving regional infrastructure is commendable, this broadened scope has significantly inflated the costs, creating a substantial financial burden that exceeds the original necessity for a bridge. Furthermore, an alarming concern remains unaddressed in the current project plans. There has been no comprehensive study conducted to assess the toll impact of diverting traffic from 1-10 to +210 and whether 1-210 can bear the burden of this redirected flow. Such a diversion could have devastating consequences, not only for North Lake Charles and Downtown Lake Charles but also for the structural integrity of these aging bridges. The I-10 bridge itself is 70 years old, and the -210 bridge is not much better at 60 years old. The surges of bumper-to-bumper traffic on F210 not only pose risks to commerce to the North but also threaten the stability of the 60-year-old I-210 bridge to the South. Given the absence of a proper study in this regard, it is uncertain whether the 1-210 bridge can handle the increased traffic load that such diversion from a toll would bring, which raises a serious red flag in the current project's planning and execution. 1011 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 615, Lake Chatles, LA 70601 Phono: (387) 491-2016 or (888) 72-2855; Pax: (887) 491-2984 sen2logis-la govThis bridge project is about more than just construction; it is vital for our community's well-being and the national economy. We have witnessed recently the federal government dole out hundreds of billions of dollars to Europe in an attempt to stabilize that area of the world. Thus, its disheartening that our 10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project received only a fraction of federal funds, despite our region's importance as the global leader in LNG exports and as a critical energy corridor. When we compare our situation to that of the recently funded Brent Spence Bridge of Kentucky, which received $1.6 billion in federal support, a clear disparity in federal funding becomes evident. Our bridge should have received equitable support, but it received only $250 million in federal funds, a mere 10% contribution to our bridge from the federal government compared to a 50% federal contribution to the Brent Spence Bridge which will not have a toll. This disparity highlights the urgency and fairness needed for adequate support. We also strongly disagree with DOTD Secretary Eric Kalivoda when he claimed that constructing a new bridge will take decades. Our delegation has made it our responsibility to encourage DOTD to apply for a second federal funds grant. Only after our continuous urging did they manage to submit their request at the eleventh hour. We now eagerly anticipate the response from the federal government concerning this particular application for additional federal funding. The fundamental issue here is that DOTD has a history of struggling with prioritizing projects effectively. {tis imperative that we shift our focus to prioritize projects and actively advocate for increased federal ‘funding. This isa task that DOTD has not adequately pursued. The Southwest Louisiana Delegation firmly opposes the current toll bridge proposal and believes it is crucial to explore alternative funding solutions. Placing the financial burden on the citizens and businesses of Louisiana, especially when federal support falls short of expectations, is not a sustainable approach. ‘We will persist in advocating for additional federal funding to ensure that the bridge remains accessible and beneficial to all. In the upcoming months, we will continue our unwavering pursuit of funding for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge project. We are committed to ensuring the safety, efficiency, and economic prosperity of our region and the entire nation. We anticipate continued collaboration with the federal government, DOTD and the Joint Transportation Committee, and we appreciate your steadfast support for our endeavors. Together, we can build a stronger and more prosperous future for all Sincerely, Meh lw — Mp hon fig oe Mark Abraham like Reese je ‘Stine Charles Owen i oe —— schamernior ii cma