Being a winner beats being a looser every time. Northwest Louisiana is on the brink of being Louisiana's Economic Engine with the completion of I-49 North. As the past Chairman of the funding and feasibility committee for I-49 North, the NW Louisiana Legislative Delegation chose this project as its #1 Capital Outlay project and Governor Jindal supported our legislative mandate and there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony in 2016. This show of unity by our delegation supported the hard work of so many that had previously worked on the completion of I-49 North.
We must put aside the reputation of losing so many sports initiatives that many of our citizens have loved over the past years such as the Shreveport Captains, the Mud Bugs, Battle Wings, semi pro basketball and the list goes on. These organizations have been a part of the rich heritage and memories of our citizens. Cherished by families and countless organizations and businesses for decades, only to see them disappear to communities that provide more dependable financial support.
There are fewer college bowls than there are states and for 30 plus years, Shreveport has been the home of the Independence Bowl. Reflecting back, a number of bowls still resonate across our land as being most memorable: Matchups that have included SEC power-house teams like LSU, Alabama, Georgia, Arkansas, and Ole Miss provided countless memories. Remember the LSU vs. Notre Dame game? And How about the Mississippi State vs. Texas A&M game that became known as the "Snow-Bowl" but was actually played in Shreveport at the Independence Bowl.
If we do not do something, the Advocare V100 Bowl will be just one more event that slips through our fingers. I do not have the total answer, but to do nothing is just not acceptable. Let us unify and defy the odds. Together, WE CAN SAVE IT!
State Representative Henry Burns
Haughton, LA
