LAFAYETTE REGIONAL AIRPORT BREAKS GROUND ON $9.28 M PROJECT
 

 

Groundbreaking ceremony
From left: Director Grayling Hadnott of ARDD; Lafayette Airport Comissioner Charles Wyatt, MD; Lafayette Airport Commissioner Matt Cruse; Lafayette Airport Commissioner Charles Chatelain; Lafayette Airport Commision Chairman Paul Segura; Lafayette Airport Commission Vice Chairman Paul Guilbeau; Lafayette City-Parish Councilman Same Dore; Lafayette Airport Commissioner Carroll Robichaux, Jr.; and Acting Director of Aviation Brandt of the LA Dept of Transportation.

The Lafayette Regional Airport broke ground on a $9.28 million cargo apron expansion project being built to help expand cargo operations. The project is expected to generate a $4.48 million economic impact on the Acadiana region this year.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced in September 2009, the $2 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Lafayette Airport Commission of Lafayette, La., to help build the cargo apron at the Lafayette Airport.

"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help the region recover from the impact of Hurricane Gustav by making the crucial airport infrastructure improvements needed to attract new businesses and jobs."

The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses that works to grow local economies by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products and services. Locke is a member of President Barack Obama's economic team.

EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.