Servicing up to 18 percent of America's domestic oil production and serving as the only evacuation route for more than 35,000 offshore workers and residents, the LA Highway 1 Corridor is a workhorse for the nation. That's a fact that isn't lost on Federal Highway Administrator Richard Capka.

"LA 1 plays an extremely important role in our nation's oil and gas supply and a sudden loss of this highway would have a significant impact on the country," he told LA 1 Coalition supporters at Port Fourchon for the LA 1 Groundbreaking Celebration on April 4. "Thank you for what you do on a daily basis to serve AmericaÕs energy needs." Capka flew into New Orleans hours before the ceremony and drove along LA 1 to attend the ceremony, seeing first-hand the vulnerability of the critical highway.

In December, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) awarded a $137 million contract to James Construction, LLC, for construction of a 6-mile, two-lane stretch of elevated highway between Leeville and Port Fouchon, expected to replace the existing at-grade LA 1 by the fall of 2011. Just last year, construction began on a new fixed-level Bayou Lafourche overpass at Leeville to replace the existing Leeville Bridge. That phase of the project is expected to be complete in early 2009, and combined with the two-lane highway, represents a total investment of $362 million, including $63 million in state funds committed this year by Governor Kathleen Blanco.

"This is a smart investment for Louisiana in terms of economic development, public safety and transportation access," Blanco said, lauding the project. "We power the nation."

The elevated highway will be constructed using a method known as top-down construction, minimizing the impact on the sensitive marsh in the construction area by eliminating the need for heavy equipment to be moved across the ground.

"I am proud that DOTD is committed to building this road in an environmentally sensitive manner," remarked DOTD Secretary Johnny Bradberry. "You have to look far and wide to find another road in this country with this much economic significance to the nation."

Also featured at the podium were Congressman Charlie Melancon, State Senator Reggie Dupre, State Representative Loulan Pitre, Jr., and Executive Director of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission Ted Falgout. Following the ceremony, the crowd was treated to boiled seafood and live music.

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Press contact:
Henri Boulet, LA 1 Coalition
985.448.4485