Scalise: $33 Million for LA Highway 1

Washington, DC -- Congressman Steve Scalise today said the U.S. Minerals Management Service is awarding the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources $33 million in grant reimbursements. The funding will be used for improvements to LA 1, in Lafourche Parish.

“In addition to being a main hurricane evacuation route, LA 1 is fundamental to supporting Louisiana’s offshore energy industry,” Scalise said. “The improvements to LA 1 are vital for the safety and wellbeing of residents in South Louisiana, and will greatly reduce congestion on the highway when storms threaten. Louisiana plays a crucial role in establishing America’s energy security and reducing our dependence on Middle Eastern oil. It is vital that our energy infrastructure be protected.”

The funding for this reimbursement is comes from the Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP). LA 1 handles more than 16 percent of the nation’s total oil supply and is the only means of land access to Port Fourchon and the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP). It also serves as a major hurricane evacuation routes for more than 35,000 South Louisiana residents and offshore workers. The $33 million includes a previously awarded $8.8 million competitive grant to cover the cost of Phase 1A of the LA 1 project, which includes a divided, two-lane, elevated highway from Leeville to Port Fourchon.

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Contact: Luke Bolar
202-226-4309