Southwest Louisiana is closer than ever in getting a new Interstate 10-Calcasieu River Bridge.

This week it was announced the project will receive an additional $150 million in funding through a Mega Grant distributed by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Louisiana DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson said $550 million in cash funding has now been secured. In addition, $40 million will be gathered from the Vehicle Sale Tax per year, and bonded out over time. This will lead to $600 million in total.

Currently, the project will cost $1.5 billion.

Wilson said in order to get the project off of the ground, more funding has to be secured as soon as possible.

Wilson said there is no way around instituting a toll on the proposed bridge.

“We would have loved to have done this without the tolls, but the reality is this project is financially not feasible any other way other than leveraging private financing,” he said. “We could wait and hope and keep our fingers crossed that money comes, but in the meantime we have not, and will not, be taking steps to build the bridge.”

Wilson explained that the finalized cost of the tolls will be based on the actual cost of the project and what it will take to maintain the bridge.

The public-private partners will have the opportunity to “present what they believe to be the most efficient and affordable bridge structure,” he said. After those hearings, the toll rate for vehicles will be established.

Louisiana State Reps. Les Farnum and Phillip Tarver disagreed with the need for a toll during a Federal Highway Administration open house public hearing earlier this month.

“As far as I’m concerned, there is money (to build a bridge without charging a toll) and it’s not being appropriated,” Tarver said.

“We need a bridge,” Farnum said. “We need a bridge we can afford. I really don’t understand why they won’t discuss it (using funds rather than tolling the bridge).”

The American Press followed up this week with Tarver to ask what happens now.

“We’re still running against roadblocks,” Tarver said. “We are still being told that there is not enough money for the project without the toll. We disagree and we continue to press the issue.”

Tarver noted that at the middle or later part of next year any toll that is decided upon will have to pass the approval of the joint transportation committee.

Tarver said it’s important for residents to not only contact state representatives but federal representatives, as well. He said he wants to see more local officials, business owners, organization and community leaders speak out against the toll.

The American Press has published several articles in which the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance and Chamber of Commerce has favored the toll.

“The people need to know that Lake Charles will be the only place between Los Angeles, Calif., and Jacksonville, Fla., where you’ll have to pay a toll to get where you want to go,” Tarver said.

The public can see the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the bridge online and make their own comments via email to CalcasieuBridge@hntb.com or call 225-368-2826. Public comments will be accepted until Jan. 3, 2023.