Kennedy highlights $34 million for Ascension Parish, discusses economic growth with local leaders

MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today spoke with members of the Ascension Chamber of Commerce about Ascension Parish’s economic growth and industrial expansion, as well as his work to support flood protection, infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing competitiveness in the region. Kennedy secured $34 million in fiscal year 2026 for projects directly affecting Ascension Parish, including $23 million for the Upper Barataria Basin flood protection project, $6 million to raise a flood-prone stretch of Airline Highway between Sorrento and I-10 and $5 million for the Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Study. “God blessed Louisiana with the most God-fearing, hardworking and fun-loving people in America. I enjoyed hearing from folks in Ascension Parish today about how we can keep creating jobs, attracting new businesses and growing Louisiana’s economy. I’ll keep fighting to make Louisiana the best place in America to work, raise a family, and chase the American Dream,” said Kennedy. Ascension Parish has attracted billions of dollars in new private investment. Hyundai Motor Group announced in March 2025, a $5.8 billion investment to build its first North American steel production facility in Ascension Parish, which is expected to support more than 1,300 direct jobs. CF Industries, JERA and Mitsui are also developing Blue Point One, a major low-carbon ammonia facility in Ascension Parish. The companies’ broke ground on the project on August 26, 2026. The facility is expected to be the world’s largest low-carbon ammonia plant upon completion. Kennedy has delivered key funding and other important wins for Ascension Parish in his role as an appropriator, including: $23 million for the Upper Barataria Basin project to reduce flood risks in Ascension and six other Louisiana parishes. $6 million for the Ascension Parish Airline Highway Raising project to raise a flood-prone section of Airline Highway between Sorrento and I-10. $5 million for the Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Study to develop recommendations for flood risk reduction, navigation, and ecosystem restoration throughout the Lower Mississippi River Basin.