The department and the secretary are authorized to transfer, close, or dispose of the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport, and the secretary may use necessary agreements and methods to do so.
§83. Authority of state to dispose of airports A. The department may dispose of any airport, air navigation facility, and portion thereof, or any interest therein. The disposal shall be in accordance with the laws governing the disposition of property of the state; except that disposal to a political subdivision of the state or to the United States for aeronautical purposes may be effected upon such terms and conditions as the department deems in the best interest of the state. B. The secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development is hereby authorized to either transfer the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport in Patterson, Louisiana to the St. Mary Parish governing authority or to take whatever steps are necessary to close the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport and to dispose of any interest the state may have in the airport to the St. Mary Parish governing authority. In addition to the authority hereinabove granted the secretary to transfer or close the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport, the secretary may enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement with the St. Mary Parish governing authority whereby the state shall retain legal ownership and the St. Mary Parish governing authority shall operate and maintain the said airport. For a period of one year from July 14, 1988, the St. Mary Parish governing authority shall not be required to comply with the provisions of the Public Bid Law for agreements pertaining to operations, but shall be required to comply with the public bid law for any purchasing or construction. The secretary is authorized to execute any and all agreements or documents which may be necessary to accomplish either the transfer or closure of the airport. The secretary shall have full power and authority to utilize whatever method he deems in the best interest of the state to accomplish the purposes of this Section. Acts 1988, No. 605, §1, eff. July 14, 1988.