As used in this Chapter, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) "Airport authority" means the owner of any airport or landing field, or the governing authority of any airport district.
(2) "Airport construction or development priority program" means the priority list of projects submitted by the department and approved by the joint committee pursuant to this Chapter.
(3) "Construction or development project" means a program of construction or development, either new or continuing, that will be planned and implemented with the primary goal of improving aviation activities in the state.
(4) "Department" means the Department of Transportation and Development.
(5) "Joint committee" means the House Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works and the Senate Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works, functioning as a joint legislative committee.
(6) "Sponsor" means any state agency, city, town, parish, airport authority, or other political subdivision which owns, leases, or controls any airport, landing field, landing strip, seaplane base, helipad, or aid to air navigation.