Provides for management, control, and maintenance of the New Orleans Lakefront Airport. (1/1/14)
The creation of NOLAA delineates specific powers and duties, allowing it to operate through a board of commissioners. This board consists of members appointed from various stakeholders, including state governors and business groups, ensuring broad representation of interests. The bill also explicitly excludes airport properties from the jurisdiction of the Downman Road Economic Development District, intending to provide localized regulatory autonomy over the airport’s management. Such changes are anticipated to foster economic development around the airport by facilitating specialized governance.
Senate Bill 173 establishes the New Orleans Lakefront Airport Authority (NOLAA) as a political subdivision responsible for the management, control, and maintenance of the New Orleans Lakefront Airport. The bill transfers these responsibilities from the Non-Flood Protection Asset Management Authority effective January 1, 2014, while ensuring the Orleans Levee District continues to own the airport. This legislative action aims to streamline governance and enhance operational efficacy at the airport by establishing a dedicated authority tasked solely with its management.
The sentiment regarding SB 173 is generally positive among proponents who argue it will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of airport operations. They believe that local control through a dedicated authority will lead to better management outcomes and serve the interests of the New Orleans community. However, some apprehension exists about the potential for political influence in appointments and management practices, raising concerns among critics about maintaining a focus on operational integrity over political patronage.
Key points of contention include the balance of political influence in the appointments to the board and the authority's independence in managing airport operations. Although the bill aims to provide a transparent governance structure compliant with public records and ethics laws, concerns persist regarding maintaining accountability and preventing conflicts of interest, particularly given the diverse appointments from various stakeholders.