Shreveport Regional Airport to Enhance Gate Capacity with Grant from Capitol Hill
Shreveport, LA – Imminent infrastructure enhancements are on the horizon for the Shreveport Regional Airport, thanks to substantial funding from Capitol Hill. The Airport will utilize this injection of cash to increase its gate capacity, thereby becoming more equipped to manage passenger growth. Larry Blackwell, Jr., director of airports for the Shreveport Airport Authority, expressed delight in being among the recipients of the funding.
Funding Facilitated by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy
The revelation came when U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy announced a $10.5 million grant to be awarded to Louisiana airports. The focus of this grant is to provide an impetus for infrastructure enhancements. The grant forms part of Cassidy’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act(IIJA), funded by the Airport Terminal Program.
In discussing the relevance of this grant, Cassidy emphasized the critical importance of airports in fostering economic development. “Airports are a key part of economic growth. This funding from the Infrastructure Law for New Orleans, Shreveport, and South Lafourche will improve the airports and bring new opportunities to Louisiana communities.”
Gearing Up For Growth with Improved Gate Capacity
The Shreveport Regional Airport will receive $2 million of the total funding which will be redirected towards the construction of approximately 5,000 square feet of new terminal gate space. The other grant recipients are airports situated in New Orleans and South Lafourche.
Blackwell confirmed plans to expand existing rooms at gate one and gate eight; tripling their size. The funding application was submitted in late 2021, with the airport authority receiving affirmation of the receipt on February 12.
Upon assuming his directorial position in 2022, Blackwell realized the imperative need to prepare for growth. “This gives us something to show when we market our airport to the airlines, that we are growing and that we have the available space,” Blackwell stated.
In what is an exciting period for the airport, these developments will significantly influence the Shreveport Regional Airport’s capacity to accommodate growth and present increased opportunities to Louisiana’s communities.
