Iberia Parish President Larry Richard said the future looks bright for South Louisiana Community College after a meeting was held this week about the International School of Aviation Excellence.
The meeting included One Acadiana’s President and CEO Troy Wayman, State Rep. Terry Landry, D-New Iberia, personnel from U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins’ office and others, who discussed future plans to establish an aviation school in Iberia Parish.
The expansion comes after a state Department of Transportation and Development study on the economic impact of Louisiana’s Aviation Division, where it was revealed the state’s airports generate an estimated $6.7 billion in economic output.
SLCC made an initial investment of $2.9 million to purchase an aviation school that trains rotor wing pilots. The school also offers aviation maintenance degree program at the Lafayette airport.
The new program expansions includes avionics, composite manufacturing and repair, painting and coating technology and non-destructive testing for airframe.
“This is a big deal,” Richard said. “This is very good for Iberia Parish.
Five acres have been identified for expansion by the Acadiana Regional Airport, and $36 million is needed for expansion to meet the needs of businesses and industry and continued economic growth in South Louisiana.
Richard also attended Thursday’s Louisiana Coastal Parishes Caucus Meeting, which was attended by many leaders of coastal parishes and Gov. John Bel Edwards.
The parish president said Edwards talked about funding for coastal parishes. Also discussed were the history and explanation of the Gulf States Counties and Parishes Caucus, identifying Louisiana’s top five priorities relative to being a Gulf Coast state and identifying Louisiana’s top five priorities relative to being a gulf coast state.
The meeting also involved the Coastal Protection Restoration Authority, and delved into Community Development Block Grants and possible funding for 2019.
Finally, Richard said the recently approved agreement between Iberia Parish Government and the 16th Judicial District Attorney’s for litter abatement will begin Saturday.
The Litter Abatement Program has a road list that includes Migues Road, Hazard Road, Leone Theriot Road, Armenco Road, Rynella Road, C. Broussard Road and Lee Station Road.