By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
Regional business leaders and local officials gathered Thursday, Oct. 15, at Sam’s Town Casino in Shreveport for the Moving Northwest Louisiana Forward: Transportation, Connectivity & Infrastructure Symposium, an event focused on transportation priorities and infrastructure needs across the region.
The symposium was presented by the Bossier Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and the Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce. It was part of the Bossier Chamber’s Public Policy Series, which connects the regional business community with state and federal elected and appointed officials.
Transportation infrastructure plays an important role in economic competitiveness, workforce mobility and regional growth. The event brought together state, regional and local leaders to discuss transportation planning, funding opportunities, connectivity and major projects affecting Northwest Louisiana.
“Transportation is more than roads and bridges,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO and president of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce. “It connects employees to jobs, businesses to customers, and communities to opportunity. Today’s conversation brings state, regional and local perspectives together as we consider the infrastructure investments that will shape Northwest Louisiana.”
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Glenn Ledet highlighted the role transportation infrastructure plays in supporting economic development throughout the state.
“Without our transportation system, a lot of the economic development that has taken place all across our state, as well as right here in the Bossier region, could not have taken place without significant investments in our transportation,” Ledet said.
Ledet provided attendees with a statewide perspective on transportation, outlining Louisiana’s infrastructure priorities, funding outlook and major projects affecting Northwest Louisiana.
Northwest Louisiana Council of Governments Executive Director Kent Rogers provided a regional perspective, discussing regional planning, mobility, connectivity, funding opportunities and long-term transportation priorities.
The program also featured a local infrastructure panel with Bossier City Engineer Andy Bajnauth, Shreveport City Engineer David Smith, Bossier Parish Engineer Eric Hudson and Caddo Parish Public Works Director Tim Weaver.
The panel brought together representatives from the two cities and surrounding parishes to discuss transportation and infrastructure issues affecting their communities. Attendees also had an opportunity to ask questions of the speakers and panelists following the discussion.
The symposium provided business and community leaders an opportunity to hear directly from transportation and infrastructure officials about the priorities, investments and challenges shaping Northwest Louisiana’s future.
The discussions emphasized the importance of coordination among state, regional and local agencies as the region considers transportation improvements and infrastructure investments to support residents, businesses and future economic development.