Lafayette Reporter

MADISONVILLE, La. – In a recent announcement, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, revealed that Louisiana will receive over $24.4 million in grants from the Department of Defense's Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program. These funds will be allocated to improve the state's infrastructure and enhance its overall safety.

"Investing in Louisiana communities is good for Louisianians and our national security, and I'm happy to see that Plaquemines Parish and the City of Leesville will be able to put this $24.4 million to use to make our state a safer place," said Kennedy.

The Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program will provide the following grants:

- Plaquemines Parish will receive $13,725,400 to construct a multi-use emergency command center. This facility will serve as a central location for staging and distributing supplies during emergencies, ensuring a more efficient response to crises.

- An additional $5,793,200 will be allocated to Plaquemines Parish to improve stormwater management infrastructure and rehabilitate a flood control basin. These enhancements will better protect airfields during severe weather events, safeguarding critical assets in the region.

- The City of Leesville will benefit from $4,930,000 to extend a runway at the Leesville Airport. This expansion will support the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Johnson, further enhancing the capabilities of these military installations.

These grants aim to bolster the state's infrastructure and enhance its readiness in times of emergencies. By investing in key areas such as emergency response, stormwater management, and airport infrastructure, Louisiana is taking important steps towards ensuring the safety and security of its residents.

For more information on the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program and the grants awarded to Louisiana, please visit the Department of Defense's official website.

Source: Sen. John Kennedy's official website