A key bundle of federal funds has been approved for the new terminal planned at Louis Armstrong International Airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration approved $83 million for the new north terminal. That money will also serve as bond collateral for almost $300 million needed for the project.
Officials are planning a new 650,000-square foot terminal at the north end of the property.
US Senator Mary Landrieu announced the FAA grant. She credits officials from Kenner and Jefferson Parish for making sure drainage projects will be included.
Democratic Congressman Cedric Richmond of New Orleans says the project will also include jobs for the local workforce.
In all, the new terminal is expected to cost $650 million. Officials hope it will open in 2018 — to coincide with the city’s 300th birthday.
