Shreveport Airport Gets $881K Boost for Major Safety Upgrades

With growing concerns over air traffic controller shortages and aviation safety issues nationwide, Shreveport just got a bit of assurance. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is awarding an $881k grant to the Shreveport Downtown Airport for important safety upgrades.

The win for safer skies in Shreveport is being funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was passed into law with the help of Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy back in 2021.

How $881k Will Make Shreveport Skies Safer

The grant money will help ensure safety at the Shreveport Downtown Airport, allowing the installation of much-needed fencing to keep wildlife off the runways. Over 13k feet of fencing in total will be installed at the airport, along with eight new gates.

"These projects will make Louisiana's airports safer and more reliable while creating jobs and boosting local economies," Senator Cassidy emphasized how important these upgrades are for creating a thriving and growing Louisiana in his announcement. 

Part of a Bigger Push for Louisiana Airports

The funding from the FAA is also providing for upgrades to the airport in Hammond, part of an ongoing series of upgrades to multiple airports in the state. Shreveport's other airport the Shreveport Regional Airport, just got a massive new partnership deal to build a new maintenance wing, creating new jobs and safer skies.

Despite safety concerns being high as a shortage of air traffic controllers has struck the country, Shreveport's airports are being upgraded with new safety equipment in hopes of doing everything they can until this shortage is resolved.