Iberia Parish President Larry Richard.

Iberia Parish President Larry Richard said three projects are moving forward at one of Iberia Parish’s most promising economic centers. 

“For many years it has been recognized the Acadiana Regional Airport has great potential for economic development,” Richard said. “I am excited that plans we have discussed in the past which would enhance our ability to attract businesses to the area are coming becoming a reality.”

Three projects are in plans to enhance stem time to and from the airport. The projects are meant to benefit the ARA’s efforts to attract companies involved in the movement of cargo. 

Richard said stem time refers to the time it takes their vehicles to travel from major road systems such as U.S. 90 to the airport, and from the airport to U.S. 90. Richard said if the stem times can be shortened, the site becomes more attractive to those types of businesses.

“If we are able to attract those types of carriers it seems clear we could begin to see ancillary businesses locate in the area to support their activities,” he said. 

“Therefore, we could see an economic uplift, and also create some diversification from current industries we rely on for employment.”

The first is the state Department of Transportation and Development project for the straightening of Louisiana 88, which Richard said will allow traffic to avoid sharp curves on the route and a roundabout system to be installed near U.S. 90. 

“This will allow for normal travel speed to be maintained along Louisiana 88, and will enhance safety both by straightening of the roadway and by introducing the roundabout,” he said.

The second project is the Acadiana Regional Airport Access Road, which will connect Louisiana  675 and Louisiana 3212. The project is being funded from multiple sources, one being capital outlay.

“Earlier this year I reported that although the state was faced with some budgetary shortfalls, and that Governor Edwards could not afford to fund all capital outlay requests, this project was not vetoed and moved forward,” Richard said.

“I want to thank the Governor, Iberia Parish Council, and all of our local delegation for the efforts in getting the funding for this project. The Capital Outlay portion is approximately $4.2 million.” 

Additional local and federal funds are being used to complete the project, with the entire project projecting to cost approximately $8.7 million. 

Richard said the road will enhance stem times to and from the airport, and will also help to support future industrial development in areas like Progress Point. This is a planned industrial Parkway that is to be located adjacent to the new road.

The final project is the roundabout at Louisiana 675 and the ARA Access Road. Richard said this is scheduled to be the largest roundabout in Louisiana, and is being funded through the MPO with a local match and will be built by DOTD.

The structure will allow for large vehicles to navigate from the main roadway onto the ARA Access Road. It will support not only the operations at the airport, but also potentially support some of the deep-water Gulf of Mexico operations in the area, Richard said.

It will again enhance safety at the intersection and is one of the main reasons roundabouts are preferred over standard intersections.

“I want you to know that although budgets are tight we are continuing to improve the opportunities in Iberia Parish,” Richard said. 

The parish president also wished all local residents to go out and enjoy this week’s Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival and Fair. 

“I hope everyone goes out and enjoys the festivities,” Richard said. “This also means that our sugar industry is beginning its harvest season. We all hope for a great crop and I ask that you please drive carefully over the weekend and throughout the harvest season.

Richard also congratulated Charles Miller, an agricultural agent who was honored with a plaque Wednesday.

“I want to congratulate Dr. Charles Miller who is a long time New Iberia native who has dedicated his life to the people of the area and to the sugar industry,” Richard said. “Dr. Miller has been instrumental in the development of not only the industry but the development of the youth in the area through his work within the 4-H program. 

“Dr. Miller was present yesterday at an event to celebrate his contribution to Iberia Parish. A plaque has been dedicated to him and will be placed in the Sugar Cane Festival Building. I presented a gift of appreciation to Dr. Miller so he could display it in his home, and the Parish Council presented Dr. Miller a Certificate of Appreciation during Wednesday night’s council meeting.

“I wish Dr. Miller the best, and want to thank him for the 40 years of service to the parish and for helping to change the lives of so many.”