BATON ROUGE – This morning, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) spoke at the River Region Chamber of Commerce’s quarterly breakfast in LaPlace. He spoke about the money going to the state and the River Parishes from his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), including to extend high-speed broadband throughout rural Louisiana.
“The River Parishes are doing really well,” said Dr. Cassidy. “There’s local leadership, business investment, and new jobs. I will continue to work to support this community as it goes from glory to greater glory.”
Yesterday, Governor Jeff Landry announced the GUMBO 2.0 broadband program, which is funded by a $1.35 billion investment from Cassidy’s Infrastructure Law. The program will expand broadband access to 100,000 homes, including 60,000 rural homes, 35,000 businesses, and thousands of schools, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies throughout the state.
The IIJA has also had specific benefits for the River Region. Last May, a demonstration award was awarded through the IIJA by the U.S. Department of Energy to Taft Carbon Capture, LLC in Hahnville. A commercial carbon capture facility will be installed at the existing Taft co-generation power plant in Hahnville. Meanwhile, over $9.8 million was granted last August to St. John the Baptist Parish to raise flood-prone structures to prevent future flooding, with another $3.7 million going to St. Charles Parish for the same purpose. $700,000.00 was also granted last month to the Ascension-St. James Airport and Transportation Authority to expand the existing terminal apron at the Louisiana Regional Airport.
In addition, Cassidy spoke to concerns about rising flood insurance premium rates in the region, which he highlighted earlier this month in a speech from the floor of the U.S. Senate. He was welcomed to the breakfast by Mr. Ray Gregson, Interim Executive Director of the River Region Chamber of Commerce.
“We are sincerely grateful to Senator Dr. Bill Cassidy for visiting and speaking with the River Region Chamber member businesses,” said Mr. Gregson. “Senator Cassidy’s unwavering advocacy for economic growth in the River Parishes and across Louisiana drives our region forward. As a doctor, Senator Cassidy brings a unique and valuable perspective, particularly in articulating health data at the federal level, which is critical for the companies within our industry corridor. We deeply appreciate his continued support and commitment to the health and prosperity of our communities.”
Later, Cassidy visited WRSTBND, a company that develops technologies which make admissions and sales easier at live events. WRSTBND is based in Jefferson Parish and employs 27 people in the local area.
“WRSTBND makes it easier to enter and buy concessions at concerts, football games, and events across the world, and they’re doing it from Louisiana,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This is the kind of exciting start-up that starts small and becomes big, creating good-paying jobs throughout our state.”
Cassidy was given a tour of WRSTBND by their CEO, Mr. Conway Solomon. They were also joined by officials from the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission, which encourages economic growth and job creation in the region.
“We were excited to host Senator Cassidy at our WRSTBND office today, where he toured our new facilities and discussed our business operations,” said Mr. Solomon. “We greatly appreciate the support from Senator Cassidy, JEDCO and Louisiana Economic Development.”
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