U.S. House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) on Monday announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will award $135 million in Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant funding for the LA Highway 1 Improvement Project.
The Louisiana project includes four phases to elevate and improve highway infrastructure from U.S. Highway 90 at Mathews, La., to Port Fourchon/Grand Isle. The federal funds will be used to build 8.3 miles of elevated highway from Golden Meadow to Leeville, La., according to the congressman’s office.
“Elevating LA 1 is not only essential for the protection of Louisiana families, but absolutely vital for achieving American energy dominance and safeguarding access to our nation’s oil and natural gas supply,” Rep. Scalise said on June 15 in an announcement with Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn Wilson.
“Securing the funding to complete LA 1 is not only great news for southeast Louisiana, but for our nation,” said Rep. Scalise. “I applaud President Trump and Secretary Chao for recognizing this importance and for providing the critical support needed for the LA 1 project.”
Rep. Scalise added that elevating LA 1 has long been a top priority of his and for years he has worked closely with U.S. DOT Secretary Elaine Chao, Gov. Edwards, and local leaders to secure the needed funds for the project.
“As recently as June 8th, LA 1 was closed after becoming impassable due to flooding from Tropical Storm Cristobal,” said the congressman. “Along with being a hurricane evacuation route, LA 1 provides sole access to Port Fourchon and the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port.”
The governor applauded the innovative funding measures utilized by the Trump administration for this project. “Together, we are advancing transportation to make Louisiana a better place to live, work and visit,” he said. “We will continue to see these types of accomplishments as long as we strategically position Louisiana to take advantage of available funding opportunities.”
Wilson pointed out that advancing this infrastructure “will strengthen Louisiana’s economy, ensuring this region continues to be a leader in servicing the nation’s oil and natural gas production.”
LA 1 Coalition Executive Director Henri Boulet and Port Fourchon Executive Director Chett Chiasson also applauded the new federal funding for the project.