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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has approved an extra $210 million in federal highway funding. This funding was granted due to the successful use of the total federal funding allocation during the 2022-2023 federal fiscal year. Last year, DOTD received a record $97.87 million from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and this year’s funding surpasses that amount.

DOTD’s consistent use of its allocated funding has made it eligible for additional funds, which will be given to projects meeting FHWA requirements and ready to start.

Governor John Bel Edwards thanked DOTD for improving infrastructure and requesting over $200 million in redistributed federal highway funds. The additional funding will be utilized effectively across Louisiana.

DOTD Secretary Eric Kalivoda appreciated FHWA for providing these funds, highlighting that this significant amount will advance various highway, bridge, and safety projects across the state.

Despite using allocated federal funds and accessing redistributed FHWA funds, Louisiana faces a backlog of projects due to an aging fuel tax and rising inflation. Even with the extra funding, some projects may be postponed due to cost limitations. When additional federal funding is secured, DOTD focuses on projects committed to in the Highway Priority Program, enabling progress on crucial initiatives statewide.

The funding will enable DOTD to finance planned construction projects in the coming year and expedite other projects. Additionally, it will help address shortfalls caused by bid costs inflated by over 40 percent in the past year and over 100 percent in the past three years due to inflation.

The newly allocated funding will be utilized for various purposes, primarily focusing on projects that faced budget overruns:

• $12.56 million for right-of-way acquisition for LA 30 (Nicholson Dr.) in East Baton Rouge Parish
• $11.74 million for LA 30 roundabouts at Tanger Mall and I-10 in Ascension Parish
• $53.41 million for Leo Kerner movable bridge replacement phase 1 in Jefferson Parish
• $11.75 million for Harvey Canal Tunnel rehabilitation in Jefferson Parish
• $48.82 million for various other projects bid throughout the year
• $71.72 million for multiple projects across various parishes, including bridge replacements, road improvements, and pavement rehabilitation