The state had applied for $100 million for the project in a submission in April. Officials say the total project cost will exceed $300 million.
“We are pleased to receive this innovative grant award and are prepared to deliver for the people of Louisiana,” Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn Wilson says. “As we consider ways to invest in transportation infrastructure for Louisiana, this grant is a great first step to beginning that process.”
This project covers an area between the I-10/I-49 interchange and the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Last year, the corridor carried 120 million tons of freight worth $204 billion, according to Gov. John Bel Edwards’ office. So far this year, officials report more than a third of the vehicles traveling on this stretch of I-10 are related to freight.
“While we are extremely grateful that the federal government is making this investment in Louisiana, this award will make it possible to invest in infrastructure projects across the state of Louisiana,” Edwards says. “From north Louisiana to south Louisiana – east to west – we have infrastructure needs that have been ignored for years. A robust Louisiana economy is dependent upon a strong infrastructure, and I am looking forward to getting projects underway across the state.”
