Louisiana's Over-Budget Construction Plan Approved

Bill commits $381 million more in projects than available money so Governor Jindal's administration decides which projects to fund

The Louisiana state House and Senate today approved a capital construction plan for next fiscal year starting July 1 that contains $381 million more in projects than there is money to pay for them.

The author of House Bill 2, Rep. Joel Robideaux, R-Lafayette, said the version of the bill concocted by a conference committee is better than the one approved by the Senate.

The Senate version was $409 million overcommitted.

Because there are more projects than money, Governor Jindal's administration decides which projects are funded. Lawmakers are preparing to present their arguments.

(more on Louisiana's new construction budget . . . )

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