Bill > SB176

This bill establishes the Baton Rouge Regional Airport Authority as a new special-purpose government entity responsible for managing the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. The bill creates a detailed framework for the airport authority's governance, operations, and powers, including establishing a board of commissioners with 5-9 members appointed by the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council, with ex officio legislative members. The authority will have broad powers to operate, maintain, and develop the airport, including acquiring property, entering into contracts, issuing bonds, setting fees, and providing airport security. Employees of the current local government airport operations can transfer to the new authority, with protections for their existing employment terms and retirement benefits. The bill specifies that the authority will assume all existing airport-related obligations and can potentially take over operational jurisdiction of other public airports in the future. The creation and transfer of operational control are contingent on approval from the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council and the Federal Aviation Administration. Notably, the authority will be exempt from certain taxes and will serve as a governmental entity focused on providing efficient airport services and promoting regional economic development.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=SB176&sbi=y