Cassidy Advocates for TIGER Grant Transparency

Press Release

Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) highlighted the need for greater transparency in the TIGER grant program during discussion on the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Act. Despite applying for these competitive grants, Louisiana has not had a grant approved since 2011.

Following Senator Vitter's call for an investigation into the criteria for awarding grants, the Government Office of Accountability (GAO) reported numerous problems with how grants are awarded. The GAO recommend that the Secretary of Transportation establish additional accountability measures for managing the TIGER program, including establishing clear procedures for addressing late applications and publically disclosing whether to accept or reject these applications. The GAO also recommends that the Department of Transportation (DOT) clearly document an applicant's evaluation.

Dr. Cassidy's introduced an amendment that would require the funds appropriated for these grants to be held until the DOT implements GAO recommendations.

Dr. Cassidy released the following statement:

"A strong infrastructure means more trade, more tourism and more jobs. Despite being a leader in exporting oil and gas, Louisiana hasn't received a dime from TIGER grants in more than 3 years. We need more transparency when it comes to awarding TIGER grants. They should be awarded based on America's infrastructure needs--not Washington politicians' wants."

The TIGER Grant Program was created in 2009 using stimulus money to provide competitive grants to important infrastructure projects based on objective merit-based criteria. Since 2009, DOT has awarded about $3.6 billion in TIGER grants to states, local governments, and other entities for highway, transit, rail, and port projects. Louisiana has not had TIGER Grant application approved for funding since 2011.

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