Kiwanis of Lafayette thanks Dr. Shawn Wilson, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, for speaking to us today.

Prior to his appointment as Secretary earlier this year, Shawn has served as Chief of Staff for the DOTD for 10 years, serving under two Governors and three previous Secretaries.  Shawn is also proud UL graduate and a Past President of the UL Alumni Association.

Dr. Wilson spoke to us today concerning the state of transportation and development in Louisiana, it's budget, and its challenges.  While the I-49 connector remains a high priority project, other projects, including the construction of new bridges in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge are also necessary.

According to Dr. Wilson, the department funds its approximately $1.6 billion annual budget from a $.16 per gallon gas tax that costs the average taxpayer just over $100 a year.

Dr. Wilson also spoke about the years of planning that has already gone into the I-49 connector and that the DOTD has extended the public comment period by several months to insure that all parties who are interested may be able to participate.

Thanks again to Dr. Shawn Wilson for your informative discussion!

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