Southwest Louisiana legislators have announced their support for Gov. Jeff Landry’s new Interstate 10-Calcasieu River bridge plan, citing a “significant shift from the previous administration’s approach.”

Landry, in his first visit to Southwest Louisiana as governor, emphasized the need Thursday night for transparent and effective infrastructure development.

His proposal promises a 25 percent cost reduction from the previous administration’s agreement and introduces a toll system with a flat discounted rate for all locals.

The group of 10 Southwest Louisiana lawmakers said they will work with the governor and all involved parties to lower that toll cost during the seven-year build period.

Highlighting the recent traffic issues due to severe weather, Landry pointed out the new bridge would have mitigated these challenges, showcasing the urgency of the project.

Additionally, the plan includes a 15 percent equity commitment to the Imperial Calcasieu area, ensuring local infrastructure benefits directly from the project.

Legislators backing this effort said they encourage the community to support this transformative project, which is poised to make Southwest Louisiana a model for state-wide infrastructure development.

“We are immensely grateful to Gov. Jeff Landry for his unwavering commitment to securing a deal that truly benefits the people of Southwest Louisiana,” said the group of legislators. “His dedication to transparency and affordability for this bridge project reflects a genuine investment in the prosperity and well-being of our region.”

Louisiana legislators endorsing the bridge project include: Sens. Mark Abraham, Mike Reese and Jeremy Stine as well as Reps. Ryan Bourriaque, Dewith Carter, Les Farnum, Brett Geymann, Troy Romero and Phillip Tarver.

Also supporting Landry’s bridge plan are Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter, Sulphur Mayor Mike Danahay and Westlake Mayor Hal McMillin.  

“We are pleased that this community is getting a new I-10 Bridge and we thank our Southwest Louisiana delegation and Gov. Landry for their hard work on this,” the mayors said in a statement to the American Press. “We have needed a new bridge for 30 years, and it took the current team in place to get it done. Gov. Landry’s and our delegation’s negotiations will result in a bridge being delivered at a lesser cost and with a lower toll. The bridge design still includes the much-needed Westlake overpass.

While acknowledging the deal for the new bridge isn’t perfect, “if we wait for the perfect deal, we will be waiting forever,” the group said.

“This long effort for a new I-10 Bridge has spanned over multiple U.S. presidents and Louisiana governors — of both major political parties. The time is now to move forward and seize this opportunity. Today is a good day for Southwest Louisiana.”