Louisiana is getting $135 million in federal funding to elevate a portion of LA 1 that often floods.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has approved an Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Grant toward building an elevated 8.3-mile stretch of two lanes along LA 1 from Golden Meadow to Leeville. The roadway will be elevated 22 feet above sea level to alleviate frequent flooding and connect to the existing LA 1 bridge.
“[The] 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,” Whip Steve Scalise said in the announcement.
Earlier this month, LA 1 was closed after becoming impassable due to flooding from Tropical Storm Cristobal. Along with being a hurricane evacuation route, LA 1 provides sole access to Port Fourchon and the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, or LOOP. Port Fourchon handles nearly 90% of deepwater gas and petroleum extraction from the Gulf of Mexico.
The INFRA grant is a much-needed portion of the financial package needed to complete this $445 million project. Additional funding will come in the form of $260 million allocated from the state, and a combined total of $50 million from the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, Lafourche Parish and private sources.
“This is an extraordinary day for our community, our state, and our nation,” said Henri Boulet, Executive Director, LA 1 Coalition. “The completed elevated LA 1 will host millions of dollars of commercial activity moving in and out of Port Fourchon, Grand Isle, and our vibrant Gulf of Mexico. Whether for recreation, fishing, coastal restoration, or production of our abundant natural resources, LA 1 travelers will have a much safer and dependable route to Louisiana’s valuable working coast.”
