Dear editor,

The River Region Chamber of Commerce stands alongside our neighbors, colleagues, and friends who are deeply concerned about the conditions of our highways, roads and bridges in Louisiana.

One of our top priorities at the River Region Chamber of Commerce is to support the initiatives of our local and state leaders who responsibly ensure business sustainability that leads to a high quality of life for residents.

Although we strongly support ranking infrastructural issues as a top priority, we equally affirm a commitment to preserving a positive, sustainable environment for businesses and industries.

We applaud any and all efforts to prioritize repairing and enhancing our infrastructure, and the BUILD IT Coalition certainly offers some great ideas and potential avenues for exploration. However, at this time, we must take a neutral stance on any new gasoline taxes aimed at addressing infrastructural improvements.

The Chamber of Commerce agrees with the BUILD IT Coalition’s efforts to identify transportation upgrades as a vital safety and economic development issue, but we cannot support a new gasoline tax until additional information is provided regarding the allocation of new tax revenues.

The River Region Chamber of Commerce will continue to watch the BUILD IT coalition campaign as it grows; and will wait for additional information to be released regarding how the tax will impact businesses and how the funds generated will be allocated across the state.

— Chassity McComack,

River Region Chamber of Commerce

executive director