Airport Authority highlights First Solar lease revenue and $74 million hangar plan

Maurice Lisonbee, executive director of the parish airport authority, told the finance committee the airport’s projected revenue has grown substantially because of a First Solar lease agreement. Lisonbee said First Solar contributed roughly $1,000,000 in recent years and that the lease steps up on a multi‑year schedule; he described that revenue as a major factor in airport planning and bonding capacity.

Lisonbee reported substantial completion is imminent on a hangar the parish backed and that three verbal commitments exist to lease newly completed hangars. He also outlined major projects under consideration, including a $74 million hangar for Aviation Exteriors with six identified funding sources and planned design/construction phases; DOTD and FAA funding will cover many projects with local matching where required.

The airport will rebid an FAA‑funded air traffic control tower (approximately $500,000, FAA‑funded) and plans runway overlay and apron projects that depend on DOTD aviation and FAA scoring and matching. Lisonbee described planned maintenance purchases (tractor, bush hog), a $350,000 rebuilt rapid‑response vehicle to meet FAA index requirements, and signage and publicity funds to update wayfinding on airport approaches.

Councilors asked about tenants for new hangars and runway funding timelines; Lisonbee said tenants are primarily regional (Acadiana area) and that runway design is funded but construction timing depends on DOTD/Aviation Trust Fund allocations.

Lisonbee also confirmed a 5% employee pay increase was included for airport staff.