METAIRIE, La. – Taxpayers in the communities in and around Orleans and Jefferson parishes, and as far south as Plaquemines parish, will see welcomed improvement to roads thanks to surplus funds received from the 2007 Legislative Session, said DOTD today at a news conference in Metairie.
DOTD received $695 million in additional funding to be used for road construction, preconstruction, ports and flood protection projects across the state. More than $85 million will be spent on 21 projects in Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John and St. James parishes. One of larger projects, the ramp improvements at Interstate 10 and Causeway Boulevard, will receive more than $20 million in surplus funds and is scheduled to be let in February 2008.
"The surplus funds are just what Louisiana roads need," said DOTD Secretary Johnny B. Bradberry. "DOTD is moving quickly to start construction on these projects because we know the positive impact they have in local communities."
The resurfacing of La. 632 from La. 306 to La. 631 in St. James Parish ($1 million) is already under construction. The majority of the remaining projects – like the resurfacing of U.S. 90 from the Jefferson Parish line to South Carrolton Avenue ($1.4 million) – have received bids or will soon receive bids from contractors with plans for construction to begin in 2008.
The $695 million is a one-time allocation from the Legislature and the governor. DOTD’s main source of funding road and bridge construction is through the 16-cent state gasoline tax, which does not keep up with inflation and has lost about half of its value since 1984. As a result, Louisiana now has about $14 billion in road and bridge projects it cannot afford to complete.
For questions or concerns about DOTD projects, contact DOTD’s Customer Service Center at 1-877-4LA-DOTD (1-877-452-3683) or by e-mail at customerservice@dotd.la.gov. The center is open 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.
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www.dotd.la.gov