River Parish News

GONZALES, LA – A group of stakeholders  comprised of local government officials, community leaders, industry  representatives, and local business leaders announced Tuesday the  formation of the Highway 30 Coalition. The coalition is focused on  securing the needed funding and prioritization to accelerate the  expansion of Highway 30 in Ascension Parish.

Highway 30 is currently a two-lane highway serving as the home to  more than ten companies conducting business globally, that contribute to  the local and state economy and produce roughly half a billion dollars  in direct wages each year for residents in Ascension and nearby  parishes.

“Highway 30 is an anchor in our local, state, and national economies.  The current infrastructure of this roadway cannot support the rapid  growth of our businesses and industries – if we want to ensure the  continued expansion of our economy, we must prioritize this capacity  building project. This essential corridor is driving Louisiana’s  growth,” said Anthony Ramirez, Spokesperson for the Highway 30 Coalition  and President & CEO of the Ascension Chamber of Commerce. “Adding  capacity to Highway 30 is a critical investment for Louisiana – one that  will not only support a dynamic and rapidly growing workforce, but also  generate significant economic benefits for the entire state.”

The Highway 30 Coalition supports the following objectives:

• Educate and generate awareness of the importance of Highway 30 to the state’s economy and quality of life
• Support the promotion and advancement of the Highway 30 project with zero new taxes
• Explore and pursue all state and federal funding opportunities that  expedite the timeline for expansion of roadway capacity by leveraging  relationships and forming a unified voice
• Identify key project milestones to accelerate design, right of way  acquisition, construction and permitting processes and engage state and  federal agencies in expediting process, along with property owners along  the corridor who can help advance the project
• Track adjacent and related transportation projects in the nearby  vicinity that may ease the traffic congestion or provide alternative  routes
• Highlight the project’s goals and outcomes that support the broader regional and statewide economic and mobility goals

The coalition will support its objectives through community outreach,  education, and advocacy. To learn more about the Highway 30 Coalition,  visit highway30coalition.org.