South Lafourche Leonard J. Miller, Jr. Airport Receives Substantial Grant Award to Assist in Construction of New Terminal Building

Thad Angelloz • February 15, 2024

CUT OFF, LA - The Greater Lafourche Port Commission is pleased to announce it was a recipient of $1.5 million in funds under the Federal Aviation Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Airport Terminals Program (ATP).


While the total allocation for the program was large, the amount dedicated to small hubs like the South Lafourche Leonard J. Miller, Jr. Airport only accounted for 20-percent of the available funds.


In other words, the process for determining grant recipients was highly competitive.

“We are beyond thrilled to receive this news,” GLPC Executive Director Chett Chiasson said. “The construction of a new state-of-the-art terminal building is of the utmost importance as we move forward and embrace the many opportunities we have currently and are positioned for at this very moment. We certainly want to thank Secretary Pete Buttigieg and our congressional delegation for their support of this worthwhile project.”


The new state-of-the-art 6,000 square-foot terminal facility will allow for an upgraded passenger experience and continue to build on the airport’s recent progress that includes a completed resurfaced road, the construction of an airport bridge and connector road, and a Louisiana Economic Development site-certification project to make 343 acres of port-owned undeveloped property developable.


Chiasson said he believes this progress when combined with the 25,000-plus annual operations and the state of Louisiana’s study that highlighted the $98 million yearly economic impact the airport had on the region factored in to making the general aviation hub stand out.


“The work of our tenants and users is what makes this airport thrive,” he said. “Making these sorts of investments through the use of agency, federal, and state funds is key to boosting resilience and economic vitality in Lafourche Parish. Led by our Board of Commissioners this is a task we take seriously and take an unyielding approach towards pursuing.”


Learn more about how these historic investments are benefiting airports in communities big and small at www.faa.gov/bil/airport-terminals.


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May 8, 2025
Cut Off, LA – The Greater Lafourche Port Commission and Port Fourchon are celebrating its 65th anniversary with an open house event on May 17 th at the GLPC Administrative Office, 16829 East Main Street. This free event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature food, music, goodie bags (while supplies last) and a first-come, first-served opportunity to board buses for tours of the airport and port. Port Commission President John Melancon, Jr. said, “We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with everyone. This is a celebration for all those who support us and the amazing things that happen at the GLPC and Port Fourchon every day!” While the previous two events focused on celebrating our tenants and users at both the airport and Port Fourchon , the grand finale will serve to salute the local community and those who support the GLPC and Port Fourchon in other ways. “Covid caused tons of disruptions and heartache for many out there, and we certainly were no different,” GLPC Executive Director Chett Chiasson said. “Fortunately, we get to make good on our 65th anniversary this year. Many individuals have played a pivotal role in helping us reach this important milestone, so this is definitely an event we are looking forward to as we welcome our community to visit us.” The open house is being hosted by the GLPC Board of Commissioners, which include Melancon, Jr. (President, Seat G), Kris Callais (Vice President, Seat I), Harris “Chuckie” Cheramie, Jr. (Secretary, Seat A), Rodney J. Gisclair, Jr. (Treasurer, Seat D), Jimmy “T-Jim” Lafont (Board Member, Seat C),Charles “Mike” Callais (Board Member, Seat H), Reggie Ledet (Board Member, Seat E), Thomas “Tom” Pitre III (Board Member, Seat B), and Chad Callais (Board Member, Seat F). The Greater Lafourche Port Commission, a political subdivision of the state of Louisiana, facilitates the economic growth of the communities in which it operates by maximizing the flow of trade and commerce. We do this to grow our economy and preserve our environment and heritage. The Port Commission exercises jurisdiction over the Tenth Ward of Lafourche Parish, south of the Intracoastal Waterway, including Port Fourchon and the South Lafourche Leonard Miller, Jr. Airport (GAO).
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By Thad Angelloz February 12, 2025
At the February 12, 2025 board meeting, the Greater Lafourche Port Commission (GLPC) board elected its officers. The board elected John “T-John” Melancon, Jr. as President, Kris Callais as Vice President, Harris “Chuckie” Cheramie, Jr. as Secretary, and Rodney Gisclair, Sr. as Treasurer.
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At the Greater Lafourche Port Commission (GLPC) board meeting, the newly elected and incumbent members were sworn in for the 2025-2030 term by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.
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