DeSantis celebrates $12 million in infrastructure and workforce training grants for panhandle
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis celebrated $12 million in grants for infrastructure and workforce training in the panhandle.
“I’m pleased to be able to award $4.4 million to Pensacola State College to establish a new airframe and power plant mechanics program,” DeSantis said during a press conference on Monday. “Now this program will provide an opportunity to train more Floridians to work in the aviation and aerospace industry.”
“This funding will support the construction of a new a hanger, training equipment and operating costs at Pensacola Airport where the education will take place,” he said.
“The second award is $3 million to the city of Defuniak Springs to complete the final phase of the construction of the Defuniak Springs Airport,” he added.
The governor explained how it’s estimated to produce 500 news jobs for the area and is expected to have a positive impact of $12.3 million.
“And finally, we’re awarding $4.6 million to Jackson County to complete the construction of a 1.3 mile two-lane road and associated utility connections from State Road 276 to Old Airbase road,” he said.
The road will provide access to a planned housing development in the area of at least 250 single family homes. It will also create at least 400 new jobs and is estimated to have a positive fiscal impact of $12.5 million.
Florida Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly thanked the governor for his work on investing into infrastructure and workforce training.
“These investments in Florida’s panhandle communities, they’re really special,” he said.
He pointed out how the funds are not just important for the immediate area receiving the investment, but also because they create value across other nearby counties.
“Governor, these investments all really fit with your strategy that we’re seeing work time and time again throughout the state,” he added. “It’s a strategy based around talent development, around workforce education, around ready, modern infrastructure, infrastructure that’s welcoming to business and job creators.”
Pensacola State College President Edward Meadows also thanked DeSantis for investing into the community.
He also thanked Sen. Doug Broxson, R-Pensacola, as well as Reps. Michelle Salzman, R-Pensacola, and Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola, for working with the school to secure the funding.
