\On Thursday, U.S. Transportation Sec. Elaine Chao announced three airports in Florida will get federal funds for safety and infrastructure improvements.
Bartow Executive Airport will get $666,666 to update its master plan. Southwest Florida International in Fort Myers will get $14,537,517 to install runway incursion lighting and rehabilitate the taxiway and its lighting. Melbourne International will receive $6 million to reconstruct its apron.
The funds come from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants. Chao announced 80 airports in 25 states will get $335 million from the FAA.
“Airport infrastructure projects funded by this $335 million in federal funding will advance safety, improve travel, generate jobs and provide other economic benefits for local communities,” said Chao on Thursday.
Most of the funds–$300 million–come from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to cover more than 60 airports while $35 million is from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
“These 61 AIP grants will allow airports around the country to begin and complete projects that are vital to the safe and efficient operation of our nation’s airports,” said FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
