The Federal Aviation Administration is giving Louisiana airports millions of dollars for infrastructure investment

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – The federal government is distributing millions to Louisiana airports through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), $3.7 million is being doled out to Chennault, Lake Charles Regional and Southland Field.

Chennault’s Director of Executive and Airport Affairs Andrea LaFleur says the nearly $90,000 grant will go toward a much-needed repair.

“This grant is to help us fund the design part of rehabilitating multiple taxiways here on the airport. The main construction part of the project is going to be a million-dollar project. We just need the funds to enable us to maintain the facility in order to grow the airport,” LaFleur said.

The paved taxiways at Chennault are the longest in the region and are a top priority. Lafleur says the rehabilitation is all part of a five-year plan.

Because Chenault is not a commercial airport, funding these projects can take more time.

“You know this airport provides support. We can land any type of airplane that’s in the inventory that’s out here, so that’s a testament to the taxpayers who help pay for this airport, that’s a testament to the DOT and the FAA and the great team we have working here,” Chenault Executive Director Kevin Melton said.

West Calcasieu Airport Managing Board of Sulphur is receiving $535,000, which will be used to construct the airport’s drainage system to correct failing infrastructure.

Also, $1.3 million is going to Lake Charles Regional.

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