The amendment, which passed with 53 percent of the vote, allows the state treasurer to invest existing, idle state funds into the State Transportation Infrastructure Bank, which then can make low-interest loans to local governments for local and regional transportation projects. The Louisiana Legislature created the bank in the 2015 legislative session.

The amendment gives Louisiana communities a tool to finance local transportation projects, but it does not raise taxes, Good Roads President Kenneth Perret said. However, passage of the amendment clearly shows that voters place a high priority on transportation investment.

"This election proves that Louisiana voters want better roads, bridges and ports, and they're willing to pay for it" Perret said. "Now it's up to our next governor and legislature to come up with a plan to increase our infrastructure investment. More than a half-million voters said 'yes' to transportation, so it's fairly easy to see where our priorities should be."