Governor's transportation task force to meet in Lafayette Wednesday

The Acadiana Planning Commission, One Acadiana, and LEDA will host a regional meeting of the Governor’s Task Force on Transportation Infrastructure Investment in Lafayette.
The regional meeting in Lafayette will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the LITE Center, 537 Cajundome Blvd. The public is invited to attend.
The task force’s co-chairs, Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn Wilson and Gen. John Basilica, will attend the meeting, along with other representatives of the 18-member panel. They will hear from Acadiana public officials, business leaders, and other stakeholders about regional transportation needs and priorities.
Gov. John Bel Edwards appointed the task force in June to research, identify, and make specific actionable recommendations on reducing Louisiana’s $12.7 billion transportation backlog and funding the construction of new “megaprojects” in the Statewide Transportation Plan, such as the I-49 Lafayette Connector. The panel is due to submit their recommendations to the governor by Jan. 1, 2017.
Wilson said, “We’re going to have this conversation all over the state because the infrastructure we build is for our communities, This is an important step in a very critical and necessary process. With sound and sustainable policy, DOTD can and will deliver a transportation system the people of Louisiana deserve.”
One Acadiana 1A President & CEO Jason El Koubi said, “Quality transportation infrastructure is critical for attracting, retaining, and expanding businesses and growing the economy. One Acadiana members and investors continue to rank transportation initiatives, especially completing I-49 South, as the organization’s top priority.”
He added, “The business community is working with the Governor’s Task Force, our legislators, and state transportation officials on a responsible funding solution.”