FUNDS/FUNDING: Memorializes Congress to grant an extension of time for expending American Rescue Plan Act funds in order to complete various critical infrastructure projects around the state that are integral to the health and safety of Louisiana's population (EN SEE FISC NOTE FF EX)
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 45 memorializes the United States Congress to extend the deadline for spending State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund dollars received under the American Rescue Plan Act. The resolution focuses on Louisiana projects funded with these federal dollars, especially critical water and sewer infrastructure work in communities across the state. It explains that these projects are intended to repair failing systems, improve access, and bring local utilities into regulatory compliance.
The resolution states that many projects may not be completed by the current December 31, 2026 expenditure deadline because of the complexity of large infrastructure projects, procurement delays, supply chain disruptions, and shortages of qualified engineers and contractors. It urges Congress to give Louisiana additional time so that grant-funded projects can be finished rather than left incomplete, with the goal of protecting public health and safety.
Impact
HCR45 does not change Louisiana statutes or create new state regulatory requirements. Instead, it is a formal legislative request to Congress and the federal government to extend the deadline for spending ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. Its practical effect is to support continued use of federal grant dollars for water, sewer, and other infrastructure projects already underway in Louisiana, especially where local governments might otherwise be unable to complete work before the current deadline.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the resolution appears strongly supportive and largely noncontroversial. The House passed HCR45 unanimously, 85-0, indicating broad agreement that Louisiana should seek more time to finish federally funded infrastructure projects. The bill’s framing emphasizes public health, safety, and the need to avoid wasting already-allocated federal funds.
Contention
There is little evidence of substantive opposition in the available record. The main issue raised by the resolution itself is not whether the projects are needed, but whether Congress should extend the federal expenditure deadline. The justification for the request centers on practical implementation problems—complex planning, procurement, supply chain disruptions, and contractor shortages—that can delay completion of water and sewer projects. Any contention would likely be between those prioritizing strict federal deadlines and those arguing that additional time is necessary to protect Louisiana communities and preserve the value of the funding.
Memorializes the Congress of the United States to take immediate action to approve funding to end the federal government shutdown and urges the United States Senate to adopt the continuing resolution passed by the United States House of Representatives that would ensure temporary funding and the uninterrupted operation of the federal government.