LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) - Southland Executive Airport in Sulphur is negotiating a lease agreement with a Louisiana company to develop a temporary residential community on 100 acres of land near several planned industrial expansion sites.
The American Press reported (https://bit.ly/1eOXZNb) the West Calcasieu Airport Managing Board considered proposals in early April from groups interested in leasing property. The board authorized an agreement with First Flight Holdings LLC.
The Louisiana-based company plans to construct Moss Lake Village, which will accommodate up to 2,500 people at peak occupancy. Tim LaFleur, airport executive director, said the employee village will decrease traffic on Louisiana Highway 27.
Bill Hankins, chairman of the airport board, said that temporary housing is the answer to the influx of construction workers en route to Southwest Louisiana.
“We are trying to create a temporary situation, and we want to have as much combined together to create a very organized and safe environment for workers,” he said.
“We wanted to respond to this multibillion-dollar activity that’s going on. We’re excited to be able to participate in a positive fashion.”
The Port of Lake Charles has a similar temporary housing initiative - a $70 million facility on 200 acres of port property - to meet projected workforce demands for the area. It will be on James E. Sudduth Parkway and will house up to 4,000 workers.
The proposal has plans for indoor recreational facilities, outdoor courts, playing fields and outdoor cooking areas. Moss Lake Village residents will also be provided with on-site services, including transportation services; daily maid/laundry services; and daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. Moss Lake Village will have on-site security.
Permanent infrastructure constructed by First Flight in Sulphur will stay in place after the temporary village has been removed and will become assets for the airport.
The lease with First Flight is pending final approval, but LaFleur said “communication is crucial” as negotiations continue.
The board will continue to meet with constituents and neighbors of the proposed employee village. One such community meeting is planned for May 6 at the airport.
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Information from: American Press, https://www.americanpress.com
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