Not 'a scare tactic': State transportation woes may worsen with loss of federal dollars

Without a major injection of state money, Louisiana could see its first loss of federal dollars for roads and bridges, according to Shawn Wilson, secretary of the state Department of Transportation and Development.

Wilson, who is leading the charge for a hike in the gasoline tax and other steps to raise money for transportation projects, said recently that on its current course the state will soon be unable to provide the matching funds needed to generate the maximum federal aid.

That could happen as early as next year and could cost the state up to $150 million in the first year and $300 million in the second, he said. The state typically gets between $650 million and $700 million per year in federal transportation aid.

"The exponential impact is significant," Wilson said.

House Transportation Committee Chairman Kenny Havard, R-St. Francisville, differs with Wilson on some transportation issues but agrees that the potential for a loss of federal aid is real.

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