Unlikely allies push for another corridor

What do Lafayette, Gretna and New Orleans have in common, besides the 10/12 corridor? The I-49 corridor, of course. Gretna Mayor Ronnie Harris and Lafayette Mayor Joey Durel have joined forces, and this summer plan a series of meetings along that corridor to bring awareness to businesses, public officials and others who might lobby for the cause of completing the interstate. The pair are also trying to pitch the importance of the project to New Orleans, given that a completed I-49 could link the Port of New Orleans to Kansas City, providing yet another incentive for cargo. “We believe this is a very important project — for hurricane evacuation, for industry and for tourism,” says Harris, vice president of the I-49 International Coalition, which pushes for more federal funding. “We want the state to recognize that and include it in future plans.” Department of Transportation and Development Secretary William Ankner has indicated the 36-mile segment from the West Bank Expressway to Raceland could cost as much as $5.2 billion; the segment through the city of Lafayette, $1.1 billion — a price he says the state can ill afford. — Penny Font