Central Louisiana News

On Thursday, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) announced that the Iberia Parish Airport Authority will receive $2 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Delta Regional Authority (DRA). The funds will support the construction of a new 200,000 square-foot hangar at the Acadiana Regional Airport in New Iberia. This project is expected to create 200 new full-time jobs with salaries ranging between $50,000 and $75,000.

"Two hundred people will have new, better-paying jobs," said Senator Cassidy. "They’ll learn how to do those jobs at the local community college. They will be able to stay in Louisiana. This happens when communities work together to use the infrastructure bill."

The DRA received $150 million as part of the IIJA to support economic development projects across 252 parishes and counties in the South. The $2 million grant for the hangar is part of a larger $73 million funding package involving contributions from several sources including the Federal Aviation Administration, Louisiana Economic Development, and Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The hangar's completion is anticipated around 2027.

Upon completion, Aviation Exteriors plans to double its workforce from 200 to approximately 400 employees. Currently providing heavy maintenance on aircraft and converting passenger planes to cargo planes along with painting services, they aim to expand their conversion and maintenance services with this new facility. The company collaborates with South Louisiana Community College for worker training.

During his visit to Acadiana Regional Airport, Cassidy toured an existing hangar used by Aviation Exteriors for airplane conversions. He was accompanied by DRA Chief Administrative Officer Josh McNemar representing Federal Co-Chairman Corey Wiggins, Iberia Parish President Larry Richard, Aviation Exteriors President Joseph Ng representing CEO Jerry Hernandez, and Iberia Parish Airport Authority Director Moe Songy.

"Delta Regional Authority is pleased to be a partner in the very important work taking place at Acadiana Regional Airport," said Dr. Corey Wiggins, DRA Federal Co-Chairman. "With our $2 million investment, we look forward to how the hangar expansion project will bolster economic development."

"I appreciate all of the work that Senator Cassidy is doing," said President Richard. "The $2 million dollar grant from Delta Regional Authority will go a long way in enhancing ARA expansion which includes constructing a state-of-the-art maintenance repair and overhaul facility."

"It is an honor for Avex to welcome Senator Cassidy," said Mr. Hernandez. "We greatly appreciate the State’s support and eagerly anticipate the construction of the new hangar."

"The Acadiana Regional Airport and Iberia Parish Airport Authority would like to thank Senator Cassidy," said Mr. Songy.

Later in Rayne, Cassidy met with Mayor Chuck Robichaux and other regional mayors discussing potential improvements under IIJA.

"Met with Acadiana Mayors," said Dr. Cassidy."Everyone wants to address real needs in their communities."

In Acadia Parish alone, over $58 million has been allocated for road projects including nearly $55 million for slab repair on I-10: Jeff Davis PI-I-49 project.

Present at this roundtable were mayors from Rayne, Crowley among others along with members of city councils and police juries.

"I am excited that Senator Cassidy took time out his busy schedule," said Mayor Robichaux.