A business leader and real estate professional from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Robert Myers serves as entrepreneur with his company Myer Retail Services. He also owns and operates a real estate company, Myer Enterprises, which manages real estate properties in Louisiana and Mississippi. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Robert Myers belongs to the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC).
BRAC is in full support of the Interstate 10 (I-10) widening project so that traffic congestion in the capital region will ease. Accordingly, each worker caught in heavy traffic wastes 55 hours and spends an extra $1,000 annually because of additional time in traffic. BRAC hopes to be able to help raise the funds for phase 2 of the I-10 widening project. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) shares the same hope.
Phase 1 of the I-10 project, which will run from Washington Street to Essen Lane, has already secured its funding, which amounts to around $716 million. At least $360 million will come from the proceeds of the Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle Bonds (GARVEE Bonds). Another $24 million will be provided by the Capital Region Planning Commission, while the City of Baton Rouge - Parish of East Baton Rouge government will infuse another $12 million. Phase 1 is expected to start by 2023.
DOTD Secretary Dr. Shawn Wilson wants to secure the funding of phase 2 of the I-10 project early to ensure that the inflow of the funds will be timed in relation to the actual project construction. Talking about the funding at this juncture also allows BRAC sufficient time to include the project in its long-term plans.
