The American Trucking Associations and the Louisiana Motor Transport Association urged Gov. John Bel Edwards to sign an important increase in transportation funding.

“As the federal government continues to debate investing in our nation’s roads and bridges, lawmakers in Louisiana are not waiting and are stepping up to address their state’s needs,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “We are pleased to see the bipartisanship that led to passage of this bill and we urge Gov. Edwards to sign it into law.”

House Bill 514, which would provide roughly $300 million in new funding for infrastructure, passed the House and Senate by overwhelming majorities. The new funding would allow the state to make significant investments in projects that will improve the flow of freight in the state and across the country.

“This is a historic piece of legislation that will provide significant new funding for our transportation system, it is an investment in our future economic competitiveness, safety and prosperity,” LMTA Executive Director Renee Amar said. “Gov. Edwards should sign this bill quickly so Louisianans can begin seeing its benefits.”