Press Releases

 Today, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards announced new infrastructure investments for the state, including funding for a critical project to create direct access to Barksdale Air Force Base from Interstate 20.

Rep. Mike Johnson (LA-04) released the following statement:

"Since coming to Congress, I have been working hard to ensure Louisiana’s needs are met for this project and others, as we all recognize this is a wise and strategic use of our federal taxpayer dollars. We are grateful for the more than ten years of work that many leaders at Barksdale and in Bossier Parish have invested to make this construction possible. It is a necessary step for the continued success of Barksdale Air Force Base, and I look forward to continuing our efforts on the federal level to ensure its completion.”

Background

In 2017, Johnson sent a formal letter to the House Appropriations Committee chairman and ranking members summarizing the importance of this project. An excerpt of that letter reads as follows:

“Barksdale AFB is a key national security asset located in Bossier Parish that does not have sufficient, direct access to the interstate system an issue which is a hindrance to a national Air Force priority. The state of Louisiana is advancing a project to fix this, supporting the Department of Defense’s investment in our national security and in Louisiana...According to the Air Force, this transportation project will remove a current national security risk, and add in necessary Force Protection components for a future Weapons Storage and Maintenance Facility, as well as alleviate traffic congestion and delay.”

Additionally, Johnson also testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development to secure this funding.