The Senate Resolution urges the Board of Commissioners of the Greater Baton Rouge Airport District to conduct a feasibility study on expanding its role in economic and industrial development. The Baton Rouge Airport (BTR) is a significant economic asset, generating over 4,000 jobs and more than $1 billion in annual economic output without relying on local tax revenues. The resolution highlights BTR's current contributions to economic development, including tourism facilitation, job creation, and disaster response, and suggests that additional functions could further enhance its impact.
The resolution outlines specific areas for study, such as public relations, financial assistance, tax abatement, industrial training, and fostering entrepreneurial activity. It also calls for a review of the Board's structural setup to ensure it can meet growth demands and develop a comprehensive plan for acquiring and maintaining economic development facilities. The Board is required to report its findings to the Senate Committees on Transportation, Highways and Public Works, and Finance, as well as the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library by September 1, 2024.