On the road, again: The Capital Region Planning Commission, in partnership with the DOTD, announced it is launching a major survey this week of how people travel across the greater Baton Rouge region. As the region’s population continues to grow—especially in suburban areas—and challenges like traffic congestion increase, transportation planners are looking to collect current travel data to inform future transportation investments and prioritize spending. Thousands of households across the five-parish region are expected to participate through November. Randomly selected households will be invited to participate by mailed invitation.
ICYMI: Louisiana scored poorly in an annual analysis of states’ financial health by national government watchdog group Truth in Accounting. Louisiana received a D’ grade from Truth in Accounting, one of 18 states to receive such a grade for its overall financial condition. The organization cited the state’s debt levels, and says Louisiana owes the equivalent of $17,700 for every state taxpayer. However, Louisiana remains below its debt ceiling.
Rest in peace: Former Louisiana Sen. Heulette “Clo” Fontenot Jr., who represented Livingston Parish, died Sunday from injuries sustained in a car crash after being transported to the hospital. He was 58 years old. Fontenot served in the Legislature from 1996 until 2008, serving two terms as senator before he retired. Read the full story.
