July10, 2001

ForImmediate Release

ForMore Information Contact:

MayorCharles Caillouet, 446-7218

Thibodaux Airport Open Day andNight 

TheThibodaux Airport closed several years ago to night usage, has been reopened atnight.  The State Department ofTransportation and Development Aviation Division lifted the night sanctionsagainst the Thibodaux Airport.  MayorCharles Caillouet said with the cooperation of the Aviation Division along withthe Department of Public Works, tremendous improvements have been made whichwill once again allow aircraft to use the airport at night. 

Anew rotating beacon paid for entirely by the State of Louisiana has beeninstalled.  Additionally the City'sDepartment of Public Works has placed new lights along the runway. Those lights had been damaged several years ago and had not been replaceduntil this year.  Pilots in aircraftapproaching the airport through the use of radio signals can activate theselight facilities.  These lightingfacilities can be used even when operating personnel are unavailable at theairport.   

Inaddition to the new lighting facilities, which can be automatically activated,Mayor Caillouet added, a new-lighted windsock and aircraft frequency radio havebeen installed at the facility.  Previousto the installation by the Thibodaux Department of Public Works, the airportpersonnel were unable to communicate with aircraft wishing to use the airport. Several years ago the radio was removed from the facility and was notreplaced until this year.   

MayorCaillouet stated that these are all safety features, which have been installedat the Thibodaux Airport.  They areimportant for the people using the facility, but also important for the peoplewho live around the airport.  MayorCharles Caillouet continued saying that the Thibodaux Airport needed theseimprovements and that hopefully with all restrictions removed, it can also aidus in the economic development of the region. The Airport represents a viable tool in implementing a total program forthe city.  “It is my endeavor,”Mayor Caillouet stated, “to continue moving the City of Thibodaux forward andthese safety features allowing the airport to operate 24 hours a day will helpall of our citizens.”