BELLE CHASSE – Governor Bobby Jindal broke ground today on a $15.1 million project to extend Peters Road from La. 23 to near Barriere Road in Plaquemines Parish.

Governor Jindal said, "The new roadway will provide an alternative route for many of the heavy trucks servicing the industries in Plaquemines and Jefferson Parishes. Several large companies – including Conoco Phillips and Chevron – have facilities along the Mississippi River with significant transportation needs to move import and export products through this area. Many of the offshore support facilities operating out of Venice would also gain better access through this new roadway.

"Most importantly, this roadway will be critical for the brave men and women right here at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, in Belle Chasse. The bottom line is that this new roadway is important to help support our military, and it will also provide a more efficient corridor for companies operating in South Louisiana."

The Naval Air Station in Belle Chasse is the fifth largest employer in the state and the largest employer in South Louisiana. The base is one of two Joint Reserve Bases in the nation with all five military branches co-located on the installation. The base houses the command element of the largest Army Reserve unit in the country and includes the first civilian charter school ever built on a U.S. base. Additionally, the 8th District Coast Guard Air Station has performed more air rescues than any other unit in the country.

Since taking office in 2008, the Jindal administration has invested more than $4.1 billion for transportation projects throughout Louisiana, which translates into more than 1,700 transportation system improvement projects, including roughly 4,000 miles of roadway and 446 bridges. Additionally, for the first time in a decade, Louisiana’s backlog of road and bridge projects has been reduced by $1.6 billion.

In Plaquemines Parish alone, the Jindal administration has invested nearly $50 million. Some of these projects include $11.7 million to resurface La. 23 between Empire and Fort Jackson and $5.1 million to construct a new, 1.8-mile, 4-lane divided roadway that extends Harvey Boulevard from Wall Boulevard to Engineers Road in both Jefferson and Plaquemines parishes.

Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser said, "I would like to thank Governor Jindal for having the vision to get this project started along with his support for the federal levees and for deepening the Baptiste Collette channel for oil and gas exploration. Those combined projects are already having a dramatic impact on economic development in Plaquemines Parish – bringing new industry and prompting expansions. This $15.1 million DOTD project will greatly enhance our infrastructure, help move more goods in and out of the parish and create more opportunities for our residents and local businesses."

"As a businessman from the area, I know this road will greatly enhance the ability to maneuver in and around Plaquemines Parish," said Representative Chris Leopold. "Many people will be happy to see the completion of this project from the trucking industry to the residents."

"Continuing improvement of our state’s infrastructure remains one of my highest priorities," said Senator David Heitmeier. "Governor Jindal and DOTD continue to demonstrate a ‘can-do’ attitude and a commitment to building a better Louisiana by prioritizing projects in important economic corridors across the state."