FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 23, 2002
CONTACT: SENATE COMMUNICATION OFFICE
PHONE: 225-342-9737

STATE LAWMAKERS URGE CITIZENS TO HAVE SAY
ON HIGHWAY PRIORITY PROGRAM

PUBLIC HEARINGS SCHEDULED ACROSS THE STATE
ON HIGHWAY NEEDS

        Beginning October 1st, state lawmakers will hold a series of public hearings across the state to get citizens' input on the development of Louisiana's highway priority program. Members of the Joint Legislative Committee on Highway Planning and Construction, composed of members of both the House and the Senate Committees on Transportation, Highways and Public Works, want to know what citizens and local officials think about the state's highway improvement plans in their communities and across the state.

        These public hearings are an opportunity for citizens concerned about the transportation needs in their communities to meet with lawmakers and have their say on state government plans for highway improvements, without having to travel to Baton Rouge, State Senator Francis Heitmeier (D-Algiers), chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, said. The public meetings around the state also give legislators a chance to see first hand what the highway needs are in various parts of the state. It is important that we have a good understanding of what those needs are when deciding how best to use available state and federal highway funds.

        At the community meetings, legislators and state transportation officials will outline the state's highway priority program and discuss the planned projects for specific areas of the state. The highway priority hearings are held each year, by law, to make sure the public knows about the highway improvement plans and has an opportunity for input on the proposals.

        The public hearings begin October 1, 2002 in Winnsboro and continue through the end of the month with additional planned meetings in Monroe, Bossier City, Pineville, Lake Charles, Lafayette, Hammond, Jefferson and Baton Rouge. The hearings are scheduled by highway district. A complete schedule of the hearings is attached.

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2002 HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION PRIORITY HEARINGS