U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) on June 4 cosponsored a bipartisan bill that would direct the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to establish a $100 million competitive grant program to improve evacuation routes in rural communities across the United States.
“When a hurricane evacuation is declared, hours can mean the difference between life and death,” Sen. Cassidy said on Tuesday.
Sen. Cassidy introduced the BE SAFE ACT of 2019, S. 1709, with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL) to improve emergency evacuation routes in rural areas by creating a competitive grant program totaling up to $100 million for work on roads and bridges, according to a summary of the bill provided by Sen. Cassidy’s office.
If enacted, S. 1709 also would direct the transportation secretary to establish the grant program for construction projects on state and local connector roads that facilitate access to broader thoroughfares, according to the summary.
“This legislation keeps Louisiana families safe, giving rural communities the resources needed to improve evacuation routes and save lives,” said Sen. Cassidy.
The bill has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.