VIDALIA, La. &045; Mayor Hyram Copeland is one of several officials asking Louisiana’s congressional delegation for $6 million to further two-lane U.S. 84 through the state.

Copeland, vice president of a committee pushing for a contiguous stretch of highways to be four-laned from Georgia through Texas, was in Washington, D.C., Sunday through today.

Those accompanying him on the trip included Teresa Dennis, executive director of the Concordia Economic and Industrial Development District; Dr. Leland Scoggins, committee president; and officials from Sabine Parish.

&uot;We just walked out of Representative (David) Vitter’s office and have also talked with Senator (Mary) Landrieu, and it looks good for continued funding,&uot; Copeland said by telephone Tuesday afternoon.

While four-laning of U.S. 84 and contiguous highways in Louisiana will cost more than $100 million, this week’s delegation is only asking for $6 million for engineering and environmental impact studies this time around.

Such funding is especially necessary since other states, such as Mississippi, have nearly completed four-laning of U.S. 84 in their states, Copeland said.

Transportation officials from all states involved in the project have said four-laning the highways would spur economic development and tourism throughout the five states.

In addition to highway funding, local officials visiting Washington are also asking for $100,000 to finish renovating a Wilson Street building the Town of Vidalia donated to a local association.

The Concord Youth and Adult Association has already started tutoring programs for youth, association president Windell Millicks said.

The group also hopes to host family literacy and health education programs in the renovated facility as well as classes for prospective homeowners and entrepreneurs.