MORGAN CITY, La. -- A website has been created to assist the drive to make Interstate 49 South a reality.

The drive49south.org website is designed to be a vehicle to promote interest in the effort to bring I-49 to South Louisiana.

The I-49 South Coalition said in a news release the project is important for economic development in southern Louisiana as well as for providing safe travel and more efficient evacuations.

Early estimates suggest connecting I-49 at Lafayette to I-310 at Boutte to be $4.5 billion.

The new website allows those interested in becoming a member of the I-49 South Coalition to contact the organization to obtain additional information, membership options and to learn about ways citizens can support the coalition.

The I-49 South Coalition believes that by pulling business, industry and communities together, the area’s collective voice and influence will grow — with the ultimate goal of the completion of I-49 South.

The website will be used to provide information on the initial plans and goals of the coalition and other updates on the organization’s activities.

First on the list are the stakeholders’ meetings scheduled at 3:30 p.m. March 12 at Fletcher Technical Community College in Houma and at 3 p.m. March 18 at the Patterson Area Civic Center.

Participants at both meetings will learn about the leadership make-up of the I-49 South Coalition and how they can help support the organization. The meetings are open to the public.

For more information, contact the I-49 South Coalition via the website, www.drive49south.org; by email, drive49south@gmail.com; or by phone, 985-518-3908.