Louisiana’s Highway 1 project is reaching for federal funds, with discussions held between U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), Gov. John Bel Edwards, Louisiana officials, and members of the Trump administration.
Also known as LA 1, the project consists of four phases to elevate and modernize highway infrastructure stretching from U.S. Highway 90 at Matthews, Louisiana to Port Fourchon/Grand Isle. Specifically, state officials seek federal funding for 8.3 miles of elevated highway construction along the Golden Meadow to Leeville, Louisiana stretch — the project’s Phase 2 priority. Based on current estimates, that phase alone could cost up to $356,248,000.
“We had a very productive meeting with U.S. Department of Transportation officials, Governor Edwards, and Louisiana’s Senate President and House Speaker to highlight the national importance of LA 1 in advance of Louisiana’s application for the federal INFRA grant,” Scalise said. “I am committed to supporting Louisiana’s application through the entire process, and will continue to discuss the national significance of elevating LA Highway 1 directly with Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.”
The push for funding is linked to a U.S. Department of Transportation Notice of Funding Opportunity released in January, which opened up more than $900 million in Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant funds for infrastructure projects.
Louisiana has framed LA 1 as being critical to accessing the energy resources in the Gulf of Mexico. Between Port Fourchon, the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, and Grand Isle, the LA 1 Coalition estimates they service more than 16 percent of the nation’s domestic crude oil production and 4 percent of its natural gas production. At the same time, the highway supports 20 percent of U.S. seafood production.