DENHAM SPRINGS - U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy discussed local traffic problems with board members of Citizens for Highways and Infrastructure in Livingston Parish last week.

Cassidy met with Parish Councilman Cindy Wale, Earl Price, and CHILP President Scott Jones.

"We talked about fundamental problems," Jones said. "Big projects and how in the world we're ever going to be able to afford them."

The group discussed widening U.S. 190 between Denham Springs and Walker. They also talked about widening Walker South, including the bridge over I-12 and south to Buddy Ellis Road.

"Livingston Parish needs these projects," Jones said. "The Congressman understands that. The question is, how can we work together to raise the money?"

The state now expects a local sponsor to pick up about 20 percent of the cost of a project, Jones said.

"Using the Walker South project as an example, the state might want Walker and the parish to put together a $6 million match for a $30 million widening project. The way things stand now, that doesn't sound like a realistic expectation."

Cassidy talked about financing alternatives that have been tried in other parts of the country, such as tolls, special tax districts, and contributions from the private sector.

"The people of Livingston Parish need to be thinking about how to spend their road tax money," Jones said.

CHILP holds public meetings at the Denham Springs-Walker Library on U.S. 190 at Eden Church Road on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Local candidates in the Oct. 2 election will be speaking Sept. 7.