Committee advances bill to continue local aircraft-repair sales tax exemption in Calcasieu Parish

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bakula reported to the committee on April 27 that Senate Bill 442, a local economic development measure for Calcasieu Parish, was forwarded favorably after a brief presentation and testimony.

A staff member introduced SB 442 as a local sales- and use-tax exemption for repairs, upgrades and overhauls on aircraft registered outside Louisiana when the work is done at a qualifying local facility such as the Chenault/Citadel site. The presenter said the measure is intended to align local policy with an existing state exemption and help the parish stay competitive for aviation maintenance work.

A sponsor’s designee described the bill as “a focused economic development bill” to protect high-paying maintenance jobs and encourage aviation investment in southwest Louisiana. "For over a decade, we've effectively operated with this type of exemption to stay competitive," the designee said.

Two representatives of Citadel Completions spoke in support. Isaiah Esco, who identified himself as the company’s chief financial officer, said the firm has operated at the facility for about eight years and seeks to expand. "This bill helps us to stay competitive in the marketplace and, really appreciate your support," Esco said.

Paige Manuel, introduced in the hearing record as Citadel’s finance lead, described local partnerships the company supports, including apprenticeships with technical colleges and sponsorships of local nonprofits and athletic programs. Manuel said those ties reinforce the company's interest in remaining in Lake Charles.

A motion to report SB 442 favorably was made on the record; with no objection, Chairman Bakula announced the bill would be forwarded favorably. No roll-call vote was recorded in committee that day.

The committee took no further action on other bills listed for the same timeframe.