But Privatization Is Still Not Out Of The Question

The City of New Orleans plans to launch a $755 million modernization plan for Louis Armstrong International Airport, though the airport board is still considering a private manager for the facility. The board cites a steady increase in visitors post-Katrina and the 2013 Super Bowl among the reasons for proceeding with the plan.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that the plan was ready to go four years ago, according to Aviation Board Chair Dan Packer, but that Katrina pushed those plans back. The first phase of the plan, including the expansion of Concourse D, was set to begin the week after the hurricane. The storm also caused city officials to divert money away from the airport project for more pressing needs. While the FAA will make grants for safety improvements, aesthetic work must be funded without federal money.

The first improvements noticeable by the public will be the replacement of the 1980's style information boards with flat-panel monitors in February of 2010. More substantive improvements include a $114 million glass-front rental car facility next to the main terminal. After Concourse D is re-furbished, the airport authority hopes to add a 240,000-square-foot west terminal and five-gate concourse to accommodate larger aircraft.

Most of the work will be financed through passenger facilities charges, fees paid by passengers departing the airport.

FMI: www.flymsy.com