Louisiana Revised Statutes Tit. 2, § 81. Authority of state to own airports; operation of airports by Department of Public Works

The department of public works in behalf of and in the name of the state, out of funds available for such purposes, may plan, establish, construct, enlarge, improve, maintain, equip, operate, regulate, protect, and police airports and air navigation facilities within the state. The department may construct, install, equip, maintain, and operate at such airports buildings and other facilities for the servicing of aircraft or for the accommodation of air travelers.

All airports, and other air navigation facilities presently owned or leased or which may be owned or leased hereafter by the state shall be maintained, managed and operated by the department, which may charge such fees as it shall see fit for the use of said airports or air navigation facilities. The department may enter into such contracts as it shall deem advisable for the sale of aviation fuel and lubricants and for the operation of other concessions and it may grant leases of every type covering its hangars, buildings and other real and personal property for such sums and upon such terms as it may see fit.

All revenues earned or produced by the department on account of such fees, contracts or leases shall be kept separate from all other funds of the state and shall be deposited in one of the banks of the City of Baton Rouge subject to withdrawal by the Director of Public Works, who may use them to pay salaries, to purchase and repair equipment and to meet other expenses incidental to the operation, development and maintenance of these facilities.