Kenner's mayor excited about airport expansion plans. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (KMSY), New Orleans, Louisiana.

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A surprising new plan to spend $1 billion to expand Armstrong International Airport could have a profound impact on the city of Kenner. The plan could totally revamp an industrial area north of the airport and, so far, it's being well received at Kenner City Hall.

It's a quantum shift from the past. Previously, airport expansion plans met with resistance in Kenner.

Now, in an area where lease signs are all too common, Kenner's mayor is embracing change.

"Let's get our airport back to international status, says Kenner Mayor Mike Yenni. "And that's where [New Orleans Mayor Mitch] Landrieu is going."

The New Orleans Aviation Board is now studying two proposals. One calls for an entirely new terminal, on the north side of the airport; the other envisions an expansion of the current facility.

"Hopefully we will come back with something that will dazzle our community," says Iftikhar Ahmad of the Aviation Board.

A new terminal on the north side could cost a billion dollars, and would have a profound impact on a floundering industrial area between the airport and Veterans Highway.

"That whole area could use a face lift," says Mayor Yenni. "The property values could skyrocket, having airport access over there."

"With the economy, business is slow," says Kenner restaurant owner Jack Manasco. "We welcome all the workers and the economic boon that would bring."

Interstate access will be key for any move of the terminal closer to Veterans Highway -- and that could mean a whole new corridor, at Loyola, which could drastically alter the interchange.

"I think it would be good for us," says Manasco. "The more traffic, the more exposure we would get."

The proposal appears to be the death knell for other plans calling for new airports, from New Orleans East to Donaldsonville.

"I can't see the airport moving," says Mayor Yenni. "That's multi-millions of dollars. You've got a great footprint there, there's not enough money to contemplate another one."

The mayor's proposal is also being well-received by Kenner's tourism industry, though it's still in its infancy.

"We will try and get to him in two years, but we will see," says Ahmad.

While optimistic, Kenner's mayor plans to work closely with the Aviation Board to avoid negative impacts. As the plans move along, Mayor Yenni hopes that either the Aviation Board or Mayor Landrieu will update the Kenner council on expansion plans.

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