By Pat Culverhouse
State Rep. Wayne McMahen has a couple of items sitting atop his priority list for projects he’d like to see in his home district.
“I would really like to see us do something positive with Sheppard Street within the next three years,” McMahen told members of the Minden Lions Club.
McMahen, who represents District 10 (Webster Parish and a portion of northern Bossier Parish), said he would like to see Minden and DOTD officials reach an agreement that would result in much needed repairs.
At issue is that portion of Sheppard from Shreveport Rd. to the intersection of East Union (U.S. Hwy. 80 east). McMahen said the stretch of road handles a heavy traffic load, including tractor/trailer rigs avoiding downtown Minden.
“I’m also concerned about the bridges between Minden and Dixie Inn,” he said. “Those bridges are 50 years old and if we should lose one of them, it would have a serious impact, especially on Fibrebond. DOTD says they are still okay, but I want to make sure they are.”
Another parish project would see the three-laning of a stretch of U.S. Hwy. 371 between Cullen and Springhill. Money for the proposed $14 million improvement would come from a combination of federal grants and state funds, McMahen said.
“I’m particularly interested in that project because of the schools and the routes they must take in that area. We need the relief,” he said.
McMahen’s said the last legislative session was mostly about change, and the opportunities for the state in the future.
“The good news is financially the state is in a better situation that we thought,” he said. “The last revenue estimating conference showed us with a $717 million surplus, and that allowed us to bring some funding back. We were able to put additional money into each parish for infrastructure.”
McMahen said Gov. Jeff Landry came into office with an aggressive agenda including a desire to work toward amendments to the state’s constitution. But, he added, a legislative special session for that purpose probably isn’t in the works.
“He got some push back from the legislature to a special session on the constitution,” he said. “We might need some work on it, but there’s always difficulties when you open up the constitution. There are other ways to address some issues than constitutional amendments.”
Turning his thoughts to national issues, McMahen said he believes the biggest problem facing the country is a lack of unity.
“Not since 9-11 have we been united as a country. I believe it is imperative that we pray for our country and our leadership. And we especially need to pray for the kids that are growing up in our country,” he said.