Exciting Changes Ahead: Shreveport Prepares for $256 Million Bond Improvements

Exciting Changes Ahead: Shreveport’s Bond Improvements

Shreveport, Louisiana, is abuzz with anticipation as residents await the results of the significant bond passed this past April. With $256 million earmarked for various community enhancements, the question on everyone’s lips is, “When will we start seeing our tax dollars put to good use?” Well, it seems the wait won’t be too long!

What’s in the Bond?

The bond approved by Shreveport voters is set to tackle a range of much-needed projects. According to Mayor Tom Arceneaux, the funds will be broken down as follows:

• $125 million for street repairs
• $82 million for water and sewer upgrades
• $49 million for public safety improvements and facilities

With such a substantial investment, Shreveportites can look forward to major improvements in infrastructure that many have felt were overdue.

A Five-Year Plan

Residents are excited to hear that there will be “immediate improvements” in Shreveport, as well as a steady stream of upgrades over the next five years. Mayor Arceneaux promises that these projects will not only enhance our city but will also provide a boost to local employment as construction crews get to work.

“There will be an infusion of capital and employment because there will be people employed to do the construction,” he explained. With so many city projects underway, it’s expected to generate a significant number of jobs for local workers.

The Focus on Streets

It’s no secret that street repairs are a primary concern for many Shreveport residents. One glaring issue is the Linwood Bridge, which has been closed indefinitely for over two years. The bond package allocates $3 million specifically for this project, but the city also needs to gather an additional $3 million in matching funds to get the work started.

“We’re gathering some money from the state of Louisiana and other sources to be able to complete that project,” the mayor stated. It seems that the wheels are in motion to address this issue sooner rather than later!

Timeline for Improvement

Excitingly, most of these improvement projects are expected to kick off at the start of 2025. Mayor Arceneaux assured residents that “when we sell the bonds in the fall of 2025, we will have projects ready to go.” As citizens of Shreveport, we can rest easy knowing that our tax dollars are working hard for us and that folks are diligently planning to have everything aligned for these much-needed improvements.

Many residents are optimistic about the future, eager to see their hard-earned tax dollars being used to rebuild and enhance Shreveport. It’s an exciting time for our community, and residents are ready to embrace the changes that lie ahead.

As we move into 2025, let’s keep our eyes peeled for the progress on these projects and continue to support our city as we make Shreveport an even better place to live and thrive!