Washington — Projects to improve Louisiana’s roads and infrastructure — like a new Mississippi River bridge in Baton Rouge or upgrades to the state’s ports — are delayed for years because of federal red tape, Gov. Jeff Landry told Congress on Wednesday.
Meeting the requirements imposed by several different federal agencies adds years to projects, mostly because the paperwork and strings attached to federal money, Landry said. He argued state governments can move much faster and should be trusted to handle the permits and procedures for things like air and water quality.
“Our states are capable,” Landry said. “Give us the ability to issue those things and eliminate the bureaucracy and place that burden on the state, then we wouldn’t be complaining.”…