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FUNDS WILL GO TO CREATE UAS FACILITY WHICH OFFICIALS CALL A HUGE ECONOMIC VICTORY LOCALLY
The Houma-Terrebonne Airport is growing quickly toward its goal of establishing an Unmanned Aviation System (UAS) facility on its grounds.
The United States Department of Commerce announced in mid-June that it was investing $1.3 million in the local airport to help the UAS facility become reality. Those monies will be matched with $337,500 in local funds to allow the airport to make infrastructure improvements needed to establish the UAS facility, which is expected to create 150 local jobs, retain 70 others — all while generating more than $50 million in private investments.
Government officials met at the airport in mid-June to announce the investment.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said having the facility will help the economy of our area and also of Louisiana as a whole.
“The Trump Administration is working diligently to empower innovators who fuel job creation in communities across the nation,” Ross said. “Having UAS operations on airport facilities in the Gulf Coast will help attract new businesses to the area and will generate significant economic activity for the state of Louisiana.”
The project, when complete, will establish UAS operations at the Houma-Terrebonne Airport, which will accelerate technology techniques and procedures for the entire UAS industry.
The project site will be located on a 10-acre parcel in the southeast portion of the airport’s facilities. It will include access roads, an aircraft parking ramp and a connector taxiway to the runway. The project was made possible by the regional planning efforts of South Central Planning and Development Commission.
By having the UAS facility, the local airport will be able to rise to the forefront on the quickly growing technology.
UAS drones are becoming more and more common in the oil and gas industry. They hold a variety of purposes offshore, including hauling supplies to and from the rig and/or serving as safety check or quality-control equipment.
They can also be used to help with coastal erosion projects and research efforts.
U.S. Senator John Kennedy said the federal investment marks a much-needed victory for our local economy, which has long been in a downward swing because of the slump in deepwater drilling.
“This is a huge win for Terrebonne Parish after a tough downturn in the oil industry,” Sen. Kennedy said. “Investments like this encourage technological developments and create jobs. Local officials have worked hard on this project and I congratulate them on their progress.”
Gov. John Bel Edwards agreed and added that investments like these go a long way in keeping Louisiana as one of the leaders nationally in energy exploration.
“We are most excited by this announcement for its potential to provide new value for our oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico and along our coast,” Gov. Edwards said. “Louisiana has long been a leader in subsea technology in the offshore energy industry. Now, we will be at the cutting-edge of aerial technology. By joining our education, government and private-sector partners, we can make Louisiana a true leader in unmanned aircraft technology to tackle many of our biggest challenges in the energy, security and military sectors.”
FLETCHER PARTNERS WITH AIRPORT TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR GULF CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
Fletcher Technical Community College is going to be a huge part of this expansion.
The college announced just days after the grant was given that it has agreed to a partnership with the local airport to train avionics, sensor and logistics technicians, along with airframe, power plant and ground equipment mechanics.
Officials with both Fletcher and the airport say that the ability to train workers right here at home is an asset that will ensure that our area produces graduates who study locally, but then also stay and start families locally — an economic boost.
Fletcher Chancellor Dr. Kristine Strickland called the partnership a bright spot for the community-based technical college.
“Fletcher Technical Community College would like to congratulate the Houma-Terrebonne Airport on this new EDA grant,” Dr. Strickland said. “We are proud to partner with the airport to build out new training and educational opportunities for our community in the drone sector. The Center of Excellence designation, combined with new dollars to expand the airport’s infrastructure is critical in our ability to create new economic development opportunities for our region.”
Fletcher’s initial role in the partnership will be training individuals in small UAS applications.
Training will initially focus primarily on FAA part 107 training — a certification that provides individuals with the foundation they need to start their careers in the commercial use of UAS equipment.
“We are being provided with a unique opportunity for the region,” said Dr. Clint A. Coleman, Fletcher’s Dean of STEM. “Having the oil and gas industry, as well as coastal restoration efforts in our backyard sets us up to take advantage of UAS technology in ways not previously possible. There are new uses of the technology being developed every day. What is considered cutting-edge this year in drone technology will no doubt change as the industry develops over time. Being on the ground floor of this technology truly sets Fletcher and our community up for success.”•
BY CASEY GISCLAIR
