2008 Louisiana Statewide Transportation Plan Review
In 2003, Louisiana released its updated Statewide Transportation Plan, which serves 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 Louisiana citizens. It addresses 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 (LIIEP) Commission.
Several important events have impacted the state and its infrastructure in recent years. In August and
September 2005, Louisiana was devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. While the recovery has
progressed, 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
2005, the Safe Accountable Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users
(SAFETEA-LU) was enacted by the United States Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush.
The new bill advocates private investment in the surface transportation system and offers a number of
innovative finance techniques, including several pilot programs for tolling existing and new Interstate
highways. Lastly, construction costs have escalated significantly nationwide since the Plan was
completed in 2003. Construction inflation along the Gulf Coast has been particularly pronounced in the
aftermath of the hurricanes.
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 (LSTIP) 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.
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