Road repair

SHREVEPORT, La. - Nearly $200 million in state funding is headed to Shreveport and Bossier City for infrastructure, healthcare and community improvement projects aimed at supporting continued growth across northwest Louisiana.

Shreveport will receive nearly $155 million, while Bossier City will receive about $45 million through the state's capital outlay budget.

Among the largest investments is $25 million for LSU Health Shreveport to support economic development and a new research facility at the former Sears building at Mall St. Vincent.

"Our Northwest Louisiana delegation got $25 million in cash to invest in Louisiana Health Sciences and the Mall St. Vincent project. That's over 40 businesses that are going to bring research and development dollars to our area," said Sen. Adam Bass. 

Lawmakers said the project is expected to attract research and development businesses to the region.

"The medical school is a major economic driver in the area, so I think we are going to get a good return on our investment," said Sen. Sam Jenkins. 

The budget also includes funding for security improvements at LSU Shreveport and $17.5 million for Northwestern State University's Nursing Education Center in Shreveport.

Transportation projects include improvements to Hearne Avenue, Ford Street, Interstate 49 and several other state highways in northwest Louisiana.

"We worked with the Department of Transportation and Development to come in and really address some of the long awaited road repairs that need to be done," said Jenkins.

In Bossier City, $23 million will fund construction of a new nanofiltration water treatment system designed to reduce chemical use and lower long-term operating costs.

"Water is a resource everyone needs. Nanofiltration provides chloramine-free, treated water. It's going to save the taxpayers a considerable amount of money as far as chemical treatments go," said Bass.

Additional funding will support improvements to the Benton Road and Interstate 220 interchange and the widening of Barksdale Boulevard to help accommodate future development.

The budget also provides funding for neighborhood improvements, recreational facilities and youth programs in Bossier City.

"Investing in the youth and giving them opportunities to grow and learn is paramount in order to continue to provide the quality of life for our growing community," said Bass.

Bossier City officials are expected to provide additional details Wednesday about how the funding will be used and announce a rebranding of the city's identity.

"We still have a ways to go with infrastructure and we want to make sure we are bringing those dollars back to this area," said Jenkins.