Officials aim to connect local governments with federal infrastructure funds
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy joined local leaders at Minden’s recreation complex on October 8 for a rural community funding summit, aimed at connecting northwest Louisiana municipalities with federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The event, organized with the Louisiana Municipal Association and Minden Mayor Nick Cox, brought together representatives of federal and state agencies responsible for allocating infrastructure funds.
Mayor Cox introduced Senator Cassidy, emphasizing his role in securing resources for local communities. “He’s the one that backed the ARPA funds. He’s the one behind the IIJA funds,” Cox said. “All these people are here because he wants to connect the people with the funding.” Cox added that recent progress in Minden was a direct result of available federal funding.
Senator Cassidy highlighted the ongoing impact of existing funds and the potential for future improvements. “This is our opportunity to get our hundredfold in return,” Cassidy said, encouraging cooperation to maximize benefits for local projects.
Leslie Durham, executive director of the Louisiana Infrastructure Technical Assistance Corporation, stressed the importance of applying for available grants. “Since August of last year, we have actually submitted over $178 million in grant opportunities for rural communities,” Durham said, urging local governments to seize the chance for funding.
Richard Williams, deputy director of the Louisiana Municipal Association, outlined specific funding areas, including broadband, disaster mitigation, and infrastructure development. “Today is about you, the local governments, getting the funding and getting the money, so go forth and get money,” Williams said, encouraging attendees to target specific funding opportunities for their communities.
The summit provided a platform for local leaders to engage directly with experts and explore ways to leverage federal infrastructure investments to improve public services and facilities in rural areas.
