Ground Broken on Final Section of LA 28
December 16, 2009
ALEXANDRIA - Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal joined representatives of the Gulf Coast Strategic Highway Coalition in breaking ground December 16th on the final segment of LA Highway 28 between Alexandria and Leesville, home of Fort Polk.
The $26.8 million project will complete the final 8.7 miles of the 50-mile highway link being expanded to four-lane divided standard. The final
segment is scheduled for completion in 2012. The highway from Fort Polk to the military facilities at England Airpark is part of the Gulf Coast Strategic Highway system route linking military facilities in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Also taking part in the groundbreaking were Army Col Rick Bloss, deputy 
commander of Fort Polk and William D. Ankner, Louisiana Secretary of Transportation. Elton Pody, president of the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce, and Malcolm Morris of Leesville, both members of the GCSH Coalition board of directors.
Gov. Jindal called it an important corridor, saying, “This road is not only a critical corridor for the people of Central Louisiana, but also our nation’s military. Indeed, the completion of the LA 28 widening project will help
reduce congestion, better secure Fort Polk’s standing in Louisiana, enhance
the country’s national security efforts and boost economic development. This investment represents our strong support of Fort Polk as well as our commitment to keep Louisiana moving forward.”
He stressed that LA 28 improvements will provide the Army more reliable
access to Alexandria and the Alexandria International Airport which provides airlift for troops, supplies and equipment. He said they will also spur business
growth in the region.
Governor Jindal worked with the Louisiana Legislature to allocate $23
million in 2008 surplus funds to the high priority LA 28 project.
