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Crowley - The Acadia Parish Police Jury has a six-year capital improvement plan for LeGros Memorial Airport in Estherwood.
What it doesn’t have is the estimated $5.8 million price tag that goes along with the plan.
The parish receives $150,000 annually through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), a federal program that provides grants to public agencies — and, in some cases, to private owners and entities — for the planning and development of public-use airports that are included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems.
The money for this program is raised through taxes on airplane tickets sold to the public and a tax on aviation fuel.
To make up the difference, the police jury is applying for funding help in the amount of $2.4 million from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Division of Aviation.
In the application resolution, the jury notes that the improvements are “critically needed ... to substantially improve the safety and usability of LeGros Memorial Airport” but acknowledges that the parish “does not have sufficient funds of its own required for completing the needed improvements.”
Asked what kind of response the jury should expect fromthe request, Peggy Romero, parish grants coordinator, told jurors that, if it is determined that “safety” is a factor in the improvement, LADOTD “is pretty good about granting the funds.”
She noted that the grants usually are a 90-10 match, but added that, on occasion, the Federal Aviation Administration will kick in the 10 percent.
Using a mix of some local funding, AIP monies and state grant funding, the six-year plan for LeGros Memorial Airport includes:
2018: phase 1 of security fencing and gates ($168,000), aviation fuel facility ($80,000), and airfield drainage improvements ($60,000) for a total of $308,000.
2019: LED solar-powered taxiway reflectors ($40,000), airfield drainage improvements ($538,000), LED precision approach path indicator (PAPI) upgrade ($40,000), and clean and reseal joints on ramps and taxilane ($85,000) for a total of $703,000.
2020: five-unit hangar and apron ($567,000), airfield drainage improvements ($55,000), phase 2 of security fencing and gates ($156,000) for a total of $778,000.
2021: airfield drainage improvements ($623,000), new terminal building ($445,000) for a total of $1,068,000.
2022: runway lighting improvements ($433,000) for a total of $433,000.
2023: parallel taxiway ($2.5 million) for a total of $2.5 million.

RAYNE - Plans were announced during the October meeting of Arceneaux Post 77, American Legion, of a number of upcoming events and programs to be held at the Legion Home in the coming months.
Commander David Simon introduced guest and veteran Michael Pastor who discussed a special flag disposal ceremony to be held at the American Legion Home on Tuesday, Nov. 7, in observance of Veterans Day.
The program will begin at 6 p.m., just prior to the 7 p.m. regular monthly meeting of Post 77. Pastor will lead the program, assisted by local Boys Scouts.
The public is invited to attend.
Concerning Veterans Day, the annual Veterans Day Program in Crowley will be held Sunday, Nov. 5, at the Rice Theater beginning at 1:30 p.m., hosted by the Crowley Legion Post 15.
Another special event in the coming weeks includes a National RV Convention Oct. 25-29 as members of the Smart Military Travel Club will host a flag disposal ceremony at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 26, at the Frog Festival Pavilion.
The group also will host the 156th Army Band on Oct. 29 for a 3 p.m. concert.
The public is invited to attend both events.
Special guest, 7th District Vice Commander Frank Richard of Post 225 in Church Point, spoke to the members of dues and new members. In addition, he announced the District Fall Conference would be held Sunday, Oct. 15, in Church Point.
By-laws updates were planned to made during the meeting.
Acknowledged was Chairman Larry Guidry for his leadership and dedication towards the Rayne Veterans Park as completion is on the horizon. Engraved veteran bricks have been installed, one of many aspects of the new city addition located at Gossen Memorial Park.
Dirt work has been completed with landscaping planned soon. Another order of engraved bricks will be placed soon with anyone wanting to order a brick urged to contact City Hall at 334-3121 as soon as possible.
For the membership report, Ray Olinger announced Lorraine Shelton-Gaines would assume the chairmanship. He also urged all legionnaires to pay their dues as the new collection year has already begun.
Commander Simon reported of the recently held weekend musical entertainment held at the Legion Home, including a number of other upcoming events.
Following the maintenance report including projects and repairs recently completed at the Legion Home, Commander Simon announced the bar air conditioner had been replaced and that Chairman Robert Comeaux had repaired a part of the floor in the bar.
It was announced the “happy hour” price of beer has increased to $1.25 due to an increase by the bar’s supplier. Other changes were also noted on the bar’s posted sign.
It was also announced that work continues on the Constitution By-Laws with an update to come soon.
Members were asked to attend the opening ceremonies of the Germanfest in Roberts Cove and participate in the presenting of the Colors.
With no further business to come before the Post, the meeting was concluded and a delicious meal was served by Legion Chef John Quebodeaux and cooks.