WHY ARE YOU BUILDING THIS PROJECT?

This project is being designed as a hurricane evacuation route for individuals in the south Louisiana area.  Detailed information regarding the purpose and need for the project is available by clicking on the Purpose & Need link to the left.

Why do you need to do so many investigations?

The investigations are intended to identify Cultural, Natural and Community resources in the project area so that preliminary alternatives can be designed to avoid those resources.

What is NEPA?

NEPA stands for the National Environmental Policy Act.  NEPA is a law that was passed in 1969 and mandates that any project that uses federal money or needs a federal permit must consider the environmental impacts of the project.  As a result of NEPA and the regulatory guidance that followed, it was determined that environmental documents would need to be prepared to evaluate and document the impacts of the project.  That is why we are preparing an "Environmental Impact Statement" (EIS) for this project.

When will this project be built?

Our task is to investigate the environmental resources and preliminary alternatives for the project and document those efforts in an EIS.  The EIS is scheduled to be completed by the Fall of 2011.  Detailed information about the proposed project schedule is available by clicking on the Project Schedule link to the left.  After the EIS is approved and funding is secured, the final design work on the selected alternative can begin.  Once final design is completed and construction funding is approved, right-of-way will be acquired and construction will begin.  The actual start date for construction is unknown at this time.  

Will this project impact my house?

Impacts to specific residential structures are unknown at this time.  Although impacts to residential structures will be avoided to the extent possible, some impacts to homes are possible.  Additional information about LADOTD policy and procedures regarding residential impacts and acquisitions is available by contacting LADOTD team members using the information from the Project Team link to the left.

How can I stay informed about the project?

Keeping the general public informed about the project and receiving input from the public is of critical importance to the project team.  As such, the team has developed an extensive public outreach program.  In addition to public meetings, a series of project newsletters will be developed and mailed to project area residents.  Detailed information about the public involvement program can be obtained by clicking on the Public Involvement link to the left.  Also, please check back to this website frequently for the latest project information.