US Transportation Secretary to Visit Louisiana in August

After an invite from US Senator Bill Cassidy, US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao will be taking a trip to the Bayou State on official business. She’ll be visiting to assess infrastructure needs, including ports.

Cassidy says he hopes to showcase Louisiana’s widespread need for new construction and repair projects.

"Infrastructure is creating more jobs in Louisiana," says Cassidy, "and I'm glad that she is coming."

Cassidy says part of the problem with Louisiana's persistent infrastructure crisis is due to the burdensome permitting requirements. He says having Chao take a first-hand look at the problem will expedite the process of getting old and new projects approved.

"Having a cabinet secretary come down, acquainting them with the issue, means that however we interact with the government has the potential to be more efficient and better funded," explains the US Senator.

With five of the top twenty ports in the country in Louisiana, Cassidy believes Chao will see the vulnerabilities, as well as a potential opportunity for substantial growth that would come from bolstering the Pelican State’s infrastructure.