Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards and Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn D. Wilson announced that DOTD recently received $80 million in additional federal funds for highway projects.
This is 18th year in a row the state has received redistributed funds and this is the largest amount the state has ever received. The department qualified for the additional federal funds after successfully allocating the full amount of its available federal funding to construction projects for the 2017-18 federal fiscal year.
“By allocating our federal resources to fund critical projects around Louisiana, we are demonstrating how much we are able to do to improve infrastructure when these funds are available,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “We have no shortage of needs, and we are addressing some of the most critical infrastructure projects throughout the state. Most importantly, major projects are being addressed with innovative funding mechanisms in nearly every corner of the state. These additional federal funds will be put to good use very quickly, and we appreciate the federal government recognizing that Louisiana’s infrastructure is a worthwhile investment.”
“In tough financial times like these, this $80 million is a tremendous help,” said Secretary Wilson. “This money will go toward critical improvements to keep people moving safely, as well as improvements to several railroad crossings, that’s good news. The bad news is this is likely the last year the state will receive the additional federal money due to a lack of funding for additional state match.”
Each year the Federal Highway Administration allocates funds that were not used by other states or national programs. The LA DOTD will use the newly awarded additional funds on projects where the funds can be obligated by September 30, 2018.
The $80 million in additional funding will be used on projects that include:
- Phase 2 of Pecue Lane construction in Baton Rouge
- Improvements at 6 railroad crossing across the state (La. 434 in Duson, La. 318 in St. Mary Parish, La. 101 in Lacassine, US 90 in Metairie, La. 27 in DeQuincy and La. 641 in Gramercy)
- Resurfacing portions of I-12 and I-20
- Active transportation projects (multi-use path from North Blvd. to Expressway Park) and Shreveport (transit amenities)
- Improvements at I-10 at US 171 in Lake Charles
