"The expanded highway has been designed as the most modern in the country, and its daily users can look forward to state-of-the-art electronic devices and the latest in road use features at their disposal," he said.
The extension, he explained, will consist of two stages: from Zapote to Kawit (6.1 kms.) and then from Kawit to Noveleta (5.3 kms). Total project cost is about P4.1 billion.
The financing aspect of the project is currently being worked out by the Public Estates Authority and its joint venture partner, Coastal Road Corp.
Revilla, chairman of the Senate committee on public works, also expressed confidence that the traffic woes of motorists and commuters passing through the Bacoor-Noveleta stretch of road in Cavite will be over once the extension of the Coastal Road is completed.
He said that the decrease in vehicular congestion would result in industrial benefits to the economy arising from a shortened travel time, a more productive workforce and more efficient distribution of goods and services.
"The project will also increase real estate values in Cavite, enhance Cavite’s tourism and industrial development, and benefit Cavite’s provincial partners under the Calabarzon growth areas," he said.
He pointed out that since Cavite is a major gateway to Southern Tagalog, the project would also benefit Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon provinces.
"The project also serves to improve general access to the two key international gateways of the country — the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Port of Manila," he added.
He explained that access to and from these ports to other areas of the country is essential for economic development.
He noted that there is now a mounting support both from government and non-government organizations for the planned 11.4-kilometer extension of the Manila-Cavite- Coastal Road.
Revilla said that he had conceived of the extension as far as during the Ramos administration, and his "dream" is now nearing fruition, with the strong support of various groups and government officials.