In the shadow of Capitol Hill, some of the nation's most influential leaders on the issue of energy supply gathered to talk about the future of a little-known two-lane state highway that literally helps fuel this country.

The weight borne by the highway known as LA 1 in southern Lafourche Parish in supporting the nation's oil and gas demand was not the only focus of this summit, however. Instead, the spotlight at the CQ Forum on Energy: Critical Energy Infrastructure at Port Fourchon, Louisiana, was on strategies to fulfill the $250 million funding need for constructing Phase 2 of the LA 1 Project. The forum was the first in a series of forums on AmericaÕs energy challenge sponsored by Shell.

Eighteen panelists, including representatives from Congressional committees, federal government agencies, state and local agencies, professional associations, and the oil & gas industry collectively discussed potential funding mechanisms for constructing the next phase of the highway project, and action plans to achieve Congressional and Presidential approval.

According to LA 1 Executive Director, officials with the U.S. Minerals Management Service, Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation walked away from the forum with a heightened awareness of the vital role LA 1 plays in America's energy supply and the serious federal commitment required to sustain this energy infrastructure.

"While our Louisiana Congressional Delegation has offered to champion a funding measure, we need the collective support of the MMS, DHS and DOT to secure such legislation within the Congress and within the administration," he said.

In addition to Boulet, the CQ Forum featured local panelists including Lafourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph, Port Fourchon Executive Director Ted Falgout, and South Lafourche Levee District Manager Windell Curole.

Following the forum, the LA 1 Coalition met with U.S. Senators Mary Landrieu and David Vitter, Congressman Richard Baker, and Congressman Charlie Melancon's Staff Energy Specialist Casey Oshea to review specific funding mechanisms. Strategies for securing $250 million in federal funds were discussed and will evolve as negotiations on end-of-year funding bills in the U.S. Congress develop in the next few weeks.

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Press contact:
Henri Boulet, LA 1 Coalition
985.448.4485