LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – The Acadiana Metropolitan Planning Organization has awarded $6,001,178 to Lafayette Consolidated Government for planning and transportation improvements within the city-parish.

$1.5 million of the funds will be allocated for LCG to use in 2017.

The city-parish government will use the money to fund several projects including the construction of a roundabout on University Avenue at Renaud Drive.

In a news release, Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux said revitalizing University Avenue and I-10 are priority projects:

“I am pleased to have the funding to move forward with these catalyst-types of projects that are connected with the improvement of the University corridor. As a major gateway to the city, parish and the University of Louisiana , University Avenue  does not reflect Lafayette as a vibrant, thriving and culturally-rich community. It is my hope that with renewed focus, we can begin the process of returning this area to its former cultural, social and economic status for those who live, work and travel along the corridor.”

LCG will also use the money to create sidewalks along South College Road from Johnston Street to Pinhook. As well as sidewalks on Carmel Drive from Louisiana Avenue to Lake Martin Road.

Robideaux says the city-parish will conduct corridor studies along the West Simcoe, West Congress and Moss Street corridors.

The funding is an 80/20 split between federal and local government and takes two to three years to be spent.

“Annually, the Acadiana MPO receives federal funding to be spent within the MPO Area, which includes all of Lafayette Parish and parts of Acadia, Iberia, St. Landry, St. Martin and Vermilion Parishes. This funding is available for any road project within the MPO area that is eligible for federal aid.

MPOs are created under federal legislation to ensure federal transportation dollars are used to achieve regional planning goals. Transportation plans and programs developed under an MPO must encourage and promote safe and efficient management, operation, and development of transportation systems. These plans are required to embrace various modes of transportation to maximize the mobility of people and goods and minimize transportation-related fuel consumption and air pollution.”