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Funding Options Explored for New Mississippi River Bridge in Plaquemine
Commissioners review tax revenue and toll options to pay for the new bridge connecting Plaquemine and St. Gabriel.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:03pm
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A sleek, modern bridge model symbolizes the complex financial and logistical challenges of constructing vital regional infrastructure.Baton Rouge TodayThe Capital Area Road and Bridge District met to discuss funding options for the new Mississippi River Bridge South project that will connect the cities of Plaquemine and St. Gabriel. The commissioners heard a presentation from a financial advisor about using tax revenue, tolls, and other potential sources to pay for the bridge construction, but no final decisions were made at this meeting.
Why it matters
The new Mississippi River bridge is a critical infrastructure project for the region, providing a much-needed connection between the two communities. How the district decides to fund the bridge will impact local residents and businesses through potential taxes or tolls.
The details
At the meeting, the six commissioners of the Capital Area Road and Bridge District heard from a financial advisor about different options to fund the new bridge, including using all tax revenue or enacting tolls similar to the Calcasieu River Bridge. The district reiterated that they are a taxing agency responsible for determining how to pay for projects, but do not decide the bridge's location or design.
- The Capital Area Road and Bridge District met on Monday, March 30, 2026 to discuss funding options.
- HB 221, which seeks to designate the new bridge as the 'President Donald J. Trump Expressway', cleared the full House last week and has moved to the Senate.
The players
Capital Area Road and Bridge District
A taxing agency responsible for determining how to pay for infrastructure projects such as bridges and roads in the Baton Rouge area.
Jay Campbell
The chairman of the Capital Area Road and Bridge District.
Michael Echols
The Louisiana state representative who introduced HB 221 to designate the new bridge as the 'President Donald J. Trump Expressway'.
What they’re saying
“You've given us a tremendous amount of information that's going to have to be digested by all the commissioners.”
— Jay Campbell, Chairman, Capital Area Road and Bridge District
What’s next
The Capital Area Road and Bridge District will continue to review the funding options presented and make a decision on how to pay for the new Mississippi River Bridge South project.
The takeaway
The funding decision for this critical infrastructure project will have significant impacts on the local communities and residents, who may face potential taxes or tolls to pay for the new bridge connecting Plaquemine and St. Gabriel.
