Louisiana's Infrastructure: A Work in Progress
Louisiana's infrastructure is facing significant challenges, with concerns extending beyond funding to include the age of structures and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has given the state a "C-" overall, a slight improvement from the previous report.
Grades and Conditions
- Roads and Drinking Water Systems: D
- Bridges: D+
- Overall Grade (2017): D+
The state has experienced 36 extreme weather events in the past decade, resulting in $200 billion in damages. This highlights the need for robust infrastructure that can withstand such events.
Funding and Backlog
Louisiana has received federal stimulus funds, including:
- $750 million for water and sewer systems
- $5.9 billion for roads and bridges
Despite this funding, there remains a significant backlog:
- $33 billion for road and bridge maintenance and improvements
- 11.5% of the state's bridges are in "poor" condition, nearly double the national average
Revenue Challenges
The state's roads and bridges rely on a 20-cent-per-gallon state sales tax, which has lost two-thirds of its purchasing power since the late 1980s. This financial constraint limits the state's ability to invest in infrastructure improvements.
Recommendations
The ASCE report suggests:
- Being more selective and impactful with spending
- Improving data on infrastructure to make better decisions
- Addressing coastal erosion, with $1.62 billion spent annually but more work needed
Conclusion
While Louisiana has made some progress, there is still a long way to go. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe, the state must act quickly to ensure its infrastructure can handle future challenges.
