New study finds Port Fourchon ‘vital’ to US economy
F. Jay Schempf
Although significant levels of sharing will not be implemented until 2016, Louisiana has already begun efforts to ramp up its coastal protection and restoration program, and Louisiana Highway 1, the highway leading to Port Fourchon, is a major beneficiary. We fully expect this state and nation will increasingly realize the significant role of Port Fourchon to this country’s energy supply, and they will continue to “feather the nest” that is accommodating the goose with the eggs of “black gold.”
Although I remember what an achievement it was to pass a $200,000 port budget 30 years ago, I am somewhat numb when I look at a $65 million budget this year. In addition, receiving over $300 million in highway improvements from the state and federal government, hundreds of millions of private investments in our port and airport, and billions on the drawing board for coastal restoration and protection, this is shaping up to be both an exciting and challenging time.
We stand ready to take on these challenges and are excited the new state leadership appears to be heading in the right direction. Governor Jindal and his team seem willing to exert the political will necessary to tackle the tough issues and truly achieve meaningful results. My hope is to report next year with even greater progress and continued optimism.
South Lafourche Airport gets FAA airport of the year award
At the recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conference, the South Lafourche Airport received the Louisiana airport of the year award in recognition of the outstanding contribution to the enhancement of aviation in Louisiana.
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Pictured from left: Jason Duet, new airport manager, Chett Chiasson, economic development and grants administrator, and Ted Falgout, executive director.
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“This award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of this commission to expanding and developing the airport,” says Ted Falgout. “It is because of this commission’s willingness to commit local funding at a greater percentage than required, that we can account for the rapid expansion we are experiencing.”
“Its close proximity to Fourchon makes it the airport of choice for both business and recreational travel to South Louisiana,” says Larry Griffin, commission president.
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Volume 68 Issue 3
March 2008
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