BHP Billiton today announced a US$500,000 contribution to the LA 1 Coalition in support of its efforts to restore and make lasting improvements to Louisiana’s Highway 1.

The highway acts as the sole access point to Port Fourchon and Grand Isle, Louisiana, but has been impacted by natural disasters and is challenged by rising sea levels. BHP Billiton’s contribution will combine with other funding sources to help construct the final phases of the project and complete the 19-mile elevated highway from Golden Meadow to Port Fourchon. 

“BHP Billiton is committed to working closely with communities to identify and support projects that meet local needs and priorities. While Highway 1 is important to the oil and gas industry’s operations in Port Fourchon, Louisana, it is also a critical piece of infrastructure for the local community’s safety and the region’s economy. It is also an access point for the region’s coastal wetland restoration projects,” said Geraldine Slattery, Asset President of BHP Billiton’s conventional petroleum business.

“The elevation of the roadway will enable the regional economy to sustain the effects of severe gulf storms and rising sea levels, improve the safety and emergency response capability of the area and allow environmental projects to move forward in a sustainable way,” said Slattery.

“The LA 1 Coalition is extremely grateful to BHP Billiton for their generous recognition of the importance of LA Highway 1 to south Louisiana and for recognizing the value of this contribution as a tool for leveraging other stakeholder’s participation,” said LA 1 Coalition Executive Director Henri Boulet.

“This will also help ensure the completion of this critical infrastructure that is beneficial to the state’s coastal and economic goals, which must be addressed together.”

BHP Billiton’s funding will be directed towards the second phase of the Louisiana Highway 1 Improvement Project.