Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is traveling to Ruston on Thursday morning to detail a slate of initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s rural communities. The event, scheduled for 11 a.m., will be held on the campus of Louisiana Delta Community College and will be livestreamed on KTBS+ for residents who cannot attend in person.
State agencies join the governor in Ruston
Joining Governor Landry at the press conference are representatives from ConnectLA, the Office of Highway Construction, and the Louisiana Department of Health. Together they will outline ongoing and upcoming investments in four key areas: rural infrastructure, broadband connectivity, healthcare access, and regional economic growth.
Infrastructure and transportation upgrades
The Office of Highway Construction will discuss plans to repair and expand rural roadways, improve bridge safety, and accelerate the delivery of critical transportation projects that connect small towns to larger market centers. These projects are intended to reduce travel times for families, lower vehicle maintenance costs, and make it easier for local businesses to move goods.
Broadband expansion for families and schools
ConnectLA, the state’s broadband development agency, will announce new funding streams to bring high‑speed internet to underserved areas of northern Louisiana. The governor has emphasized that reliable broadband is essential for modern education, telehealth, and home‑based entrepreneurship, allowing parents to support their children’s learning and families to work remotely without leaving their hometowns.
Improving healthcare access
The Department of Health will present initiatives to expand clinic services, increase the number of primary‑care providers in rural parishes, and support mobile health units that travel to remote communities. By bolstering local health resources, the administration aims to ensure that families have timely access to preventive care and emergency services.
Economic growth and job creation
Governor Landry highlighted the administration’s commitment to creating jobs and fostering entrepreneurship in rural Louisiana. New grant programs will target small‑business owners, agricultural producers, and manufacturers looking to expand operations. The governor framed these efforts as a way to preserve the traditional family‑centered way of life that defines many of the state’s small towns.
Community response and next steps
Local leaders and business owners have expressed optimism that the announced investments will revitalize the region’s economy and improve quality of life for residents. The press conference will conclude with a question‑and‑answer session, giving community members an opportunity to voice concerns and seek clarification on how the programs will be implemented.
For those unable to attend, the livestream will be available on the KTBS+ website, and a recording will be posted for later viewing. The governor’s office encourages Ruston residents and stakeholders from surrounding parishes to stay engaged as the initiatives move forward.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
