Louisiana officials said the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has earmarked $135 million in Infrastructure Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant funds for the LA Highway 1 Improvement Project.
The LA 1 Improvement project includes four phases to elevate and enhance highway infrastructure from U.S. Highway 90 at Mathews, La., to Port Fourchon/Grand Isle. The funding allotment is slated to aid in building 8.3 miles of elevated highway from Golden Meadow to Leeville, Louisiana.
“After months of hard work, the Trump Administration’s award of $135 million in federal INFRA funding to elevate LA Highway 1 is a major victory for our region’s safety and America’s energy security,” said House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA). “Elevating LA 1 has long been a top priority of mine, and I have worked closely for years with DOT Secretary Elaine Chao, Gov. Edwards, and local leaders to secure this vital funding.”
Scalise recently joined Gov. John Bel Edwards and Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Secretary Shawn Wilson in touting the effort. Edwards attributes the project’s progression to funding measures.
“This is a prime example of what the state is able to accomplish when we work together and have adequate resources,” he said. “Major infrastructure projects like this one, the Loyola Avenue interchange in Kenner, the I-220/Barksdale Air Force Base Interchange in Bossier City and many others are advancing as a result of steadfast dedication of so many partners and stakeholders, including the Congressional delegation. Together, we are advancing transportation to make Louisiana a better place to live, work, and visit. We will continue to see these type of accomplishments as long as we strategically position Louisiana to take advantage of available funding opportunities.”