Lake Charles, Louisiana - Louisiana is set to expand its aviation infrastructure with a major new project at Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles, backed by almost $21 million in federal funding and additional state support.
On Dec. 1, Governor Jeff Landry announced that Chennault International Airport was awarded $20,894,692.02 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funding will be used to construct a 37,449-square-foot paint hangar, a facility expected to support more than 100 additional jobs for the region and the state.
This FEMA grant is tied to recovery from Hurricane Laura, a major disaster declared in August 2020, with a recovery process spanned multiple state and federal administrations and legislative sessions.
Louisiana Economic Development (LED) is also contributing to the project with a $2 million grant to help ensure completion.
Federal And State Partnership On Aviation Project
Governor Landry framed the announcement as an example of coordinated federal, state, and local cooperation aimed at long-term economic growth.
“Today’s announcement is another great example of what we can achieve when we work together for the people of Louisiana. This investment strengthens our economy, expands opportunity, and supports long-term job growth in Southwest Louisiana,” Landry said.
He credited federal and state partners for moving the project forward.
“I want to thank President Trump for his continued support to strengthen our State, Congressman Higgins and the entire Louisiana congressional delegation, as well as LED Secretary Bourgeois for her leadership in advancing projects that move Louisiana forward. This is the kind of partnership that delivers real results for our communities,” Landry said.
The project combines FEMA funding for major infrastructure with LED’s targeted support meant to secure completion and enhance the economic impact.
New Paint Hangar To Support Over 100 Jobs
The planned 37,449-square-foot paint hangar at Chennault International Airport is designed to increase the airport’s operational capacity and open the door for more commercial activity.
Airport and state officials say the new facility will directly support more than 100 additional jobs, strengthening the aviation sector and the broader economy in Southwest Louisiana.
The hangar will be used for aircraft painting operations, which are a key part of aircraft maintenance and modification. Facilities of this size can support large commercial and industrial aircraft, drawing business from airlines, cargo carriers, and aviation service companies.
Economic Impact For Southwest Louisiana
Chennault International Airport, located in Southwest Louisiana, serves as an important industrial and aviation hub. The new paint hangar is expected to help the airport attract more companies and contracts, leading to increased employment and investment in the region.
“The addition of this new hangar will be a major step forward for Chennault International Airport, increasing operational capacity, attracting new commercial opportunities, and bolstering the long-term economic strength of the region,” U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins said.
Higgins highlighted the role of federal and state agencies in making the project possible.
“I’m grateful for President Trump, FEMA, and LED’s investment to enhance Chennault’s infrastructure. My office will continue to be a resource to the aviation industry in Louisiana alongside Governor Landry and our state and local partners,” he said.
Four-Year Effort To Expand Airport Operations
Chennault Executive Director Kevin Melton described the FEMA award and LED grant as the result of a multi-year push to grow the airport’s capabilities.
“This announcement is the culmination of a four-year effort to expand airport operations and provide increased capacity and opportunity for our companies that call Chennault home,” Melton said.
He connected the project directly to Louisiana Economic Development’s broader statewide strategy, which is organized around five “pillars of prosperity.”
“This expansion promotes jobs and supports LED’s five pillars of prosperity: ease of doing business; high-wage employment; thriving regions; growth and innovation; and global impact,” Melton said.
Melton also pointed to the cooperation among agencies as a model for future projects.
“The support from Governor Landry, LED, and FEMA is a positive example of the significant work that makes these types of projects successful and deliver meaningful impacts for the people of Louisiana,” he said.
LED’s Role In Supporting High-Wage Jobs
LED’s $2 million grant is aimed at ensuring the project’s completion and reinforcing its economic benefits. By tying the airport expansion to its five pillars—especially high-wage employment, thriving regions, and growth and innovation—LED is signaling that the Chennault project aligns with its long-term vision for Louisiana’s economy.
The new paint hangar is expected to help create and sustain high-wage aviation and technical jobs. It also supports the development of a more diversified and resilient regional economy, less dependent on any single industry.
Long-Term Outlook For Louisiana Aviation
With nearly $21 million in FEMA funding and state backing, the Chennault project underscores the role of aviation infrastructure in Louisiana’s economic development plans.
By increasing capacity at Chennault International Airport, state and local leaders aim to:
- Attract new commercial and industrial tenants
- Support existing aviation companies at the airport
- Create more than 100 additional jobs in the region
- Strengthen the long-term economic base of Southwest Louisiana
Officials say the project reflects a broader strategy: use targeted infrastructure investments to support high-value industries and stable, long-term employment.
As the paint hangar project moves from funding to construction, Chennault International Airport is positioned to expand its role as a key aviation and economic asset for Louisiana.