In a recent House Transportation Joint Meeting held on June 2, 2025, Louisiana lawmakers delved into the financial projections surrounding toll revenues from a new bridge project. The discussions highlighted the uncertainty and challenges in estimating annual revenues, with officials acknowledging that previous projections for similar toll facilities had often fallen short.

One senator raised a crucial question regarding the expected annual revenue from tolls, seeking clarity on whether it would exceed $10 million. The response was cautious, indicating that while there had been estimates suggesting a total of around $700 million over a 30-year concession, the annual figures were likely to be less than $10 million. This uncertainty stems from various factors, including the types of vehicles using the bridge and the aggressive nature of initial revenue projections.

The conversation also touched on the implications of credit card transaction fees associated with toll payments. A 3% convenience fee was discussed, with officials clarifying that this fee would be applied only to credit card transactions. Notably, the revenue from this fee would go to Plenary, the company managing the toll collection, raising questions about whether they would profit from these charges. While it was too early to determine the exact financial impact, officials indicated that the analysis would be made available as tolling began.

As traffic patterns evolve and the project progresses, lawmakers expressed their frustration over the lack of clear financial data, emphasizing the need for transparency and accurate forecasting. The meeting underscored the complexities of managing public infrastructure financing and the importance of reliable revenue projections for future planning. As the bridge project moves forward, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these financial dynamics unfold.