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Committee approves using Belle Chasse P3 revenues to advance Peters Road Phase 2A design and construction
Summary
The committee approved using liquidated-damages proceeds from the Belle Chasse public–private partnership to help complete design and advance construction of Peters Road phase 2A; DOTD said about $5 million currently sits in an escrow account and the phase 2A construction estimate is roughly $23 million.
The Joint Transportation Committee voted Aug. 19 to permit the Department of Transportation and Development to use revenues resulting from the Belle Chasse public–private partnership, as directed by Act 73 of the 2024 regular session, to advance the Peters Road project in Plaquemines Parish.
Glenn Lede, secretary of DOTD, and Eric Delfone, deputy secretary, described Peters Road as an additional Gulf Intracoastal Waterway crossing intended to connect Peters Road to Walker Road and LA 23, improving local access and truck routes. They told the committee that phase 1 is complete, design funds for phase 2A are available from a RAISE grant, and DOTD sought permission to use liquidated-damages (LD) funds currently in an escrow account to pair with DOTD dollars to proceed to final design and construction.
DOTD told the committee the LD escrow currently holds approximately $5,000,000 (staff said they would provide an exact figure); DOTD staff estimated the phase 2A construction cost at just over $23,000,000 but said final amounts will be known after the design is completed. DOTD said it plans to advertise/let the phase 2A contract once design is finalized, likely late this year.
Members asked for clarification about the ongoing accrual of LDs from the Belle Chasse P3 and about whether toll collection and outstanding contractor work affect availability. DOTD answered that the LDs continue to accrue until project completion and that staff will report back with exact figures and schedules.
Chairman Connick moved approval of the use of the P3 revenues for Peters Road; the committee recorded no objection and the motion passed. On the House side Representative Breaux also moved approval; House members raised questions about exact amounts and schedules but recorded no objection and adopted the motion.
Why it matters: Peters Road is positioned by DOTD and local legislators as a critical corridor for access and evacuation in Plaquemines Parish and for truck access to nearby industrial facilities. Using the Belle Chasse P3 LD escrow would channel previously withheld funds into a different state transportation priority, subject to the committee’s direction and further DOTD cost verification.
Next steps: DOTD will finalize design for phase 2A, provide an exact accounting of LDs in escrow, and return with a construction cost estimate and schedule before letting the work.
