North Baton Rouge expansion project receives millions from federal government

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD)- It won’t be long before citizens of Baton Rouge see improvements to existing infrastructure and highway expansion.

The capital city is on the receiving end of $59 million from the bi-partisan “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act”.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy alluded to the need for expansion in this arena, saying, “Let’s create prosperity in our state by building new and improving existing infrastructure.”

One of the ways the Act aims to expand infrastructure is by funneling millions into The Scotlandville Parkway Mobility Network.

April Hawthorne, Executive Director, Baton Rouge North Economic Development District, is eager to see improvements that funding will bring to the area.

Hawthorne told BRProud, “North Baton Rouge has you know has been dis-invested so now this is the opportunity for reinvestment.”

The project will rebuild a pathway into walking trails for residents and Hawthorne says a project like this has been a long time coming.

“The big picture of economic development is everybody wants a place to live, to work, to feel safe, to be able to walk,” she said.

According to The Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC), The Scotlandville Parkway is about three miles from Airline to Scenic Highway. It features a large park and smaller “pocket parks.” Hawthorne says this park will promote more than just healthy living.

“It’s definitely going to bring a sense of pride that is greatly needed in North Baton Rouge,” said Hawthorne.

The 59 million dollars in federal money will also be used for the “Airline Highway North Expansion” in addition to efforts aimed at improving conditions for pedestrians and buses along Florida Boulevard.

Senator Cassidy acknowledged the merit in efforts to revive the area, saying, “In their heyday, those were full of businesses, providing lots of services and jobs to the neighborhood and to the city. This allows that heyday to be brought back.”

The Scotlandville Parkway Mobility Network is expected to be completed in three to five years.