Bradberry announces $20 million in TIMED savings

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development recently announced that it would finish three major bridge projects two years ahead of schedule, spurring future economic development in south Louisiana and saving the state at least $20 million.

DOTD Secretary Johnny Bradberry said the major change in the TIMED program would involve three projects - construction of the St. Francisville and Florida Avenue bridges and the widening of the Huey P. Long Bridge. The three projects are to be completed by 2010, two years ahead of schedule.

"By completing these projects early, we also are prompting economic growth," Bradberry said. "Gov. Blanco has made economic development her top priority and this administration is not only tearing down barriers to development, we literally are building bridges to opportunity."

By finishing the projects early, the state can realize about $20 million in savings by avoiding two years of inflationary construction and interest costs. The state can expect additional financial benefits through increased development, said David Kane, director of Logistics/Transportation Cluster Development with Louisiana Economic Development.

"Economic Development happens along highways," Kane said, noting that the Federal Highway Administration estimates that for every $1 billion spent on highways, about 42,000 jobs are created.

Louisiana coastal area ecosystem restoration study nears completion

The Louisiana Coastal Area Ecosystem Restoration Study, designed to map out a strategy for restoring Louisiana's nationally significant coastal wetlands, is nearing completion.

"The efforts of all parties involved in bringing this study to fruition are commendable," said Brig. Gen. Robert Crear, Commander, Mississippi Valley Division and president-designee of the Mississippi River Commission. "With the coast of Louisiana losing the equivalent of a football field every 24 hours, this national treasure must be restored, protected and preserved."

The study area, which includes the Louisiana coastal area from Mississippi to Texas, is influenced by the Mississippi River. The river's resources are available to contribute to the restoration of the coastal ecosystem. The federal government and state of Louisiana have been conducting ecosystem restoration efforts for the past 14 years under the Breaux Act.

In addition, the scientific community in Louisiana is recognized internationally for its expertise in climate and wetland research.

"This study represents the culmination of a lot of effort on the part of engineers, scientists, and many others from academia, the state and other federal agencies," said Kevin Wagner, LCA senior project manager in the New Orleans District. "It will serve as the blueprint for coastal restoration work during the next 10 years."

The lessons learned and extensive experience gained from past restoration and research efforts have been applied in the LCA Study and can continue to be applied in a systematic way to develop and implement a coast wide plan for addressing the land loss problem and critical needs facing the coastal area.