Cassidy Hosts Rural Community Summit in Leesville

ALEXANDRIA - This morning, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) hosted his third Rural Community Funding Summit of 2024, where he continued to connect local officials for towns and villages in central Louisiana with representatives of federal and state agencies that can distribute funds from his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

"My goal in working on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill was to bring opportunity to Louisiana to rebuild our infrastructure. My goal for the summit is to connect public officials in Rapides, Vernon, Beauregard, and throughout Cenla with these opportunities," said Dr. Cassidy. "It was good to see these officials eager to bring resources to their communities."

In addition to the authorization of the I-14 corridor going through Leesville, communities throughout the parish have benefitted from the IIJA, including in Vernon Parish. There are millions of dollars to improve roads and build roundabouts, $1.3 million was awarded to the East Central Vernon Water System from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, an example of how the IIJA can be used to improve drinking water. Over $300,000 was also awarded to the Leesville City Airport.

Other awards in the region include $15 million for the J. Bennett Johnston Waterway, over $11 million to extend CC Bel Road in the form of a RAISE grant, and over $9.8 million to replace school buses in Rapides Parish. Money has also been awarded in the region to improve roads and replace old natural gas pipes.

Cassidy was welcomed to Leesville and thanked for his leadership in a statement by Mayor Rick Allen.

"Thanks to Senator Cassidy's infrastructure bill, money has already been delivered to upgrade key roads and the Leesville City Airport," said Mayor Allen. "We are keen to learn what else the bill can do to strengthen our communities, and we appreciate the Senator connecting us to its opportunities, as well as his support for our troops at Fort Johnson and those who support them."

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