What's New

At the current time, there are several projects in the works. The following is a list giving brief details:

What’s New

1. Runway 18/36 Reconstruction Project – THE RUNWAYS ARE OPEN !! - The day has arrived! It officially opened on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 at about 10:45 a.m. The project was accepted as substantially complete as the 19th. The project is now in the 45 day lien period and all punch list items will be finalized during this time period. This is a great foundation for better things to come. Runway 18/36 can now support aircraft up to 150,000lbs.

2. Reconstruct Taxiways B, E, and H - Portions of Taxiway B, E, and H will be reconstructed to support aircraft up to 150,000 lb. and will connect to the new east ramp project that will follow upon the completion of this project. The Project Engineer is currently working on the designing phase of this project. Our Congressional Delegation has earmarked $1.75 million for this project. We anticipate the FAA will distribute these funds in early 2006.

3. Security Lighting Projects – We recently completed installation of security lighting on both the east and west ramp areas. We are now working on Security Lighting along Taxiway “G”. The Project Engineer is currently working on the design phase of the project.

4. Airport Outreach Program - The HTAC has developed an outreach program to inform and give back to the community.

We have joined the Terrebonne Parish Public School’s Partners in Education Program. In doing so, we have adopted Acadian Elementary School. Some of the events initiated last year and are planned for this year are to introduce the fourth grade classes to aviation. We coordinate classroom time with the teachers and students. During that time we present a power point presentation that introduces the students to aviation. This year we plan to incorporate field trips to the airport and with the involvement of the local EAA Chapter on the airport, we may even be able to offer plane rides to the students.

Other schools have visited the airport for field trips as well. On occasion, when time permits, these students are given a presentation to introduce them to aviation as well.

Other activities for outreach by the HTAC have been power point presentation updates to local government bodies when there is a change in our governing leaders. They are brought up-to-date on current projects and are given a perspective on where we are headed. Also several of our local civic organizations have been periodically updated in the same manner.

5. New HTAC Office Facility - The HTAC is moving forward with plans to build a new office and maintenance facility along LA Hwy 24 near the aviation area. Bids were received at the Commission’s regularly scheduled meeting on December 15, 2005. Bids received have been taken under advisement at this time. The bids will be reviewed and discussed by the appointed Committee and will make a recommendation to the full Commission at its next meeting scheduled for January 5, 2006.

6. Condition of Improvements on Property Being Leased - The HTAC is currently looking at leased property and asking all tenants to be diligent in keeping their place of business looking clean to reflect a safe environment and attractive place of business. We strive to help keep our aviation/industrial park a safe and enjoyable place to conduct and attract business.

7. Clendenning Road Drainage Project – This project is complete and we are waiting for the 45 day lien period to end. We are very pleased that this project has cleared up the flooding prone area. Mother Nature has tested it several times since its completion and it is working very well.

Although the maintenance and upkeep of Clendenning Road is the responsibility of the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government (TPCG), the Houma-Terrebonne Airport Commission has moved forward with an engineering phase to correct the flooding situation that occurs at the intersection of LA Hwy. 24 and Clendenning Road to just past the Blimp Road/Clendenning Road intersection. The HTAC and TPCG have agreed to allow the HTAC to implement the entire project, as well as front all cost of the project. The TPCG will pay back the HTAC over an agreed time period. Tenants and users of Clendenning Road have been asking for a solution to fix this problem for a very long time. We are very happy to be able to help TPCG remedy this situation.

8. Security Issues on the Airport – The HTAC is always looking for better ways to maintain safety, especially within the aviation area. Since the September 11th terrorist attacks there have been more and more security issues resulting at airports. Recommendations by Homeland Security and the Federal Transportation Safety Administration have brought security awareness issues to General Aviation Airports. The HTAC formed a committee with a make up of aviation and industrial tenants, airport users and other interested persons. Anyone wishing to become a member of this committee is asked to contact the Airport Manager at (985) 872-4646. The Committee is currently working on security fencing around the aviation areas of the airport.

9. Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) – The Houma Airport will soon have a modern AWOS. This project is in the design phase and will go out for bid early 2006. Once the AWOS is in place, pilots will be able to have access to current weather conditions on the airport 24 hours a day.