The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is close to selecting a consultant to conduct the Environmental Impact Study on the Louisiana Highway 3241 project, state Sen. Ben Nevers said Wednesday.

“The selection process is down to a few who submitted applications,” he said. “The Corps should select a consultant within the next week or so, and that begins a process that is proposed to take 18 months. I feel very optimistic that out of this will come a route we can build this highway on.”

The long-proposed highway to link Washington Parish with points south, including Interstate 12 in St. Tammany Parish, was part of the TIMED (Transportation Infrastructure Model for Economic Development) project passed by the state legislature two decades ago.

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While other TIMED projects have been completed, 3241, which would basically run from the top to the bottom of St. Tammany Parish, has floundered due to property owner complaints and environmental concerns that left the route undecided.

“They have been working on an environmental assessment,” said Nevers.

But an actual Environmental Impact Study is required when a project, often involving large amounts of property that includes wetlands, prompts strong objections or environmental concerns, he said.

“The state has agreed to pay for the consulting services, which could run several hundred thousand dollars to maybe a million or more,” said Nevers.

The COE will direct the work.

When the study is completed and a preferred route determined, the “securing of property,” through purchase or expropriation, will take place, said Nevers.

The senator said he feels like the long-awaited highway might actually be built in the very near future.

“I’m optimistic at this point,” said Nevers. “I’ve had meetings with the DOTD (Department of Transportation and Development) secretary. Sen. (David) Vitter is trying to set up a meeting with the Corps. Sen. Mary Landrieu is involved and Congressman Steve Scalise. And you know how the governor feels. We’re all trying to get this project back on track.”

Getting the COE to agree to recommend a consultant is a “huge step” in the right directions, he said.

“I feel more optimistic today than I have in the past, and I hope this spark of optimism can be shared by the people,” said Nevers. “I hate to have to wait another 18 months, but if that’s what we have to do, that’s what we have to do.”