2008 Louisiana Statewide Transportation Plan Review

2008 Louisiana Statewide Transportation Plan Review

In 2003, Louisiana released its updated Statewide Transportation Plan which served as a blueprint for transportation investment. The plan includes the policies, programs and projects that are needed to strengthen the state’s economy and improve the quality of life of Louisianians. It addressed the movement of people and freight across all modes of transportation.

 The plan was developed over a three-year period through extensive technical analyses, exhaustive consensus-building and a highly structured decision-making process. It was published following a thorough public involvement effort and adoption by the statutorily-created Louisiana Investment in Infrastructure for Economic Prosperity Commission.
 
In August and September of 2005, Louisiana was devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. These storms may have forever changed the socioeconomic characteristics of south Louisiana particularly the southwest portion of the state and the New Orleans Metropolitan Area. Also in August of 2005, the Safe Accountable Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users was enacted by the United States Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush. The bill advocated for private investment in the surface transportation system and offered a number of innovative finance techniques including several pilot programs for tolling existing and new interstate highways. Lastly, construction costs escalated significantly nationwide since the plan was completed in 2003.

In light of these occurrences, a review of the plan was deemed to be in order as was the incorporation of other select public works infrastructure. The Louisiana Statewide Transportation and Infrastructure Plan Review and Status Report is not intended to replace the 2003 plan but rather serves as a supplement to it. Therefore, in reviewing the LSTIP Review and Status Report, it is recommended that the reader also refer to the 2003 Louisiana Statewide Transportation Plan.