Bill Cassidy

Lake Charles area airports will receive several runway and system upgrades soon, after U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) announced he has secured $14.9 million to benefit airports statewide from his infrastructure bill.

Cassidy announced late Tuesday that he had secured the federal funding from the Department of Transportation to allow airports across the state to expand taxiways, protect against flooding, rehabilitate pavement, and support airport planning and development.

“I worked to bring this funding home to Louisiana so our airports can keep up with demand and stay safe,” Cassidy said. “These projects help keep our people and our state’s economy moving.”

The Lake Charles Regional Airport will receive two grants totaling more than $1.2 million out of the funding. The first grant of $800,000 will fund the replacement of outdated airport lighting vault equipment to improve reliability and safety, and the second grant of $415,000 will allow for repainting and restoration of airfield markings to improve safety and visibility on the airport’s taxiways.

“These projects will improve both safety and reliability for pilots and airfield operators,” Lake Charles Regional Airport Executive Director Heath Allen said.

The work will involve the installation of thermoplastic markings, which Allen said are significantly more durable, more reflective, and better able to withstand aircraft traffic, weather, and the intense heat and rainfall that is common in Southwest Louisiana.

“This results in improved visibility for pilots, reduced maintenance requirements, and longer service life compared to conventional paint,” he said.

The upgrades to the airport’s airfield lighting control system will also enhance the airport’s ability to monitor and manage critical lighting infrastructure, Allen said, helping ensure safe and efficient operations while maintaining compliance with current FAA standards.

“We are grateful for Sen. Cassidy’s continued support of aviation infrastructure and his commitment to strengthening transportation in Southwest Louisiana,” he said.

The Chennault International Airport Authority in Lake Charles will receive $903,000 to rehabilitate sections of Taxiways A, B, and C to maintain pavement integrity and extend their usage.