TWIC Enrollment Center Opens in Port Fourchon

(GALLIANO, LA, DECEMBER 26, 2007) –The South Lafourche Leonard Miller, Jr. Airport has undergone major renovations over the last several months that are attracting new business to the area.

Construction at the airport is ongoing. The Port Commission has completed a runway strengthening project strengthening the runway from 12,500 pounds to 75,000 pounds to allow for larger aircrafts to land, as well as installed a new runway lighting system. Widening of the safety area and site preparation for a parallel taxiway is currently under construction and expected to be complete in spring 2008.

Airport Manager Jason Duet said, “The airport improvements will allow us to be more competitive and provide superior customer service which will ultimately attract more and more businesses to the area.”

In July, the Port Commission awarded GAO FBO Services’ bid designating them as the fixed base operator (FBO) of the airport. In this short period of time, GAO FBO services has hired and trained 2 new employees, extended hours of operations to 5:30a.m. to 5:30 p.m., made renovations to the office building, upgraded fueling and are currently working to attract new businesses to the area. ERA Helicopters is leasing ramp space and PHI is now utilizing the airport as well. GAO FBO Services is also working to have the Airport listed as a preferred vendor for the Department of Defense so that government aircrafts can land and fuel up if needed. They are also in negotiations with BHP, an oil company headquartered in Houston, to use the South Lafourche Airport for their Gulf of Mexico operations.

“We are very excited about the potential these endeavors have and will add to the Airport,” said Larry Lippert, general manager for GAO FBO Services. “I think that the new runway has opened a huge door to the South Lafourche Airport and the airport is expected to get bigger and better,” continues Lippert.

Airport tenants are noticing the positive improvements to the airport as well.

Peter Callais, President of Abdon Callais Offshore LLC said, “With the construction work complete on the new runway and the new FBO adding much needed logistical support to the airport, I believe that there are big things in the future for our airport, and I am excited to be a part of it.”

Jerry Savoie, the owner of Savoie Alligator Farm LLC said, “The new FBO provides professional service to the companies that utilize the airport, and the Port Commission needs to be commended for all of their hard work and money they put into developing the airport to what it is becoming.”

Long term plans for the airport include an instrument landing system, construction of a parallel taxiway that will run the full length of the runway, and a runway overlay project that will strengthen the runway to 138,000 pounds to accommodate even larger aircrafts.

 

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