Collection:LPB

Genre: Panel

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 2014-08-27

Duration: 00:58:07

Subjects: Filmed panel discussions | Transportation | Traffic congestion

Contributors:

• Courtney, Beth Host
• Scott, Robert Travis Host
• Gautreaux, Kevin Producer
• St. German, Karen Interviewee
• LeBas, Sherri Interviewee
• Gautreaux, Cathy Interviewee
• Martinez, Tommy Interviewee
• Thomas, Elizabeth "Boo" Interviewee
• Cunningham, Kevin, Jr. Speaker
• Bertholot, Pee Wee Speaker
• Morrison, Greg Speaker
• Chaisson, Stacey Speaker
• Soileau, Paul Speaker
• Brandon, Cheryl Speaker
• Kemp, Jessica Speaker
• Guillot, Mitch Speaker
• Smart, Judy Speaker
• Thomas, L.C. Speaker
• Woods, Victor Speaker
• Haymon, Cordell Speaker
• Cutrera, Lu Speaker
• Bertolette, William F. Speaker
• Cook, Tamaraha Speaker
• Adley, Robert Panelist
• DiResto, Rachel Panelist
• Movassaghi, Kam Panelist
• St. Germain, Karen Panelist

This episode of the series “Louisiana Public Square” from August 27, 2014, features Robert Travis Scott leading a discussion between the audience members and panelists on Louisiana’s transportation priorities. A background report on the topic precedes the discussion. It includes interviews with: State Representative Karen St. German; Secretary Sherri LeBas of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD); Cathy Gautreaux, the director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association; Ascension Parish President Tommy Martinez; and Elizabeth “Boo” Thomas of the Center for Planning Excellence. The audience members then discuss traffic congestion and how to fund transportation improvements. A panel of experts then joins the audience to answer their questions. The panelists are: State Senator Robert Adley, the chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee; Rachel DiResto, the executive vice president of the Center for Planning Excellence; Dr. Kam Movassaghi, the president of Fenstermaker and the former secretary of DOTD; and State Representative Karen St. Germain, the chairwoman of the House Transportation Committee. They discuss: the Washington Street exit on Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge; the lack of funding for transportation projects around the state; alternative modes of transportation; the need for a new Mississippi River Bridge in the Baton Rouge region; toll roads; transportation priorities; the importance of accountability; and possible funding options. Hosts: Beth Courtney and Robert Travis Scott