The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) today praised a decision by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to grant $3.9 million in infrastructure funding to Orlando Melbourne International Airport. The grant from the Florida Job Growth Fund will help open additional airport-owned land for economic development and the potential creation of 500 jobs.
“We want to thank Governor DeSantis for the announcement of this needed infrastructure investment, which will benefit the Space Coast economy for years to come and continues the momentum we’ve seen building at the Orlando Melbourne International Airport campus,” said EDC President and CEO, Lynda Weatherman. “With this commitment by the state, the airport is well-positioned to add its impressive roster of employers, which already includes Northrop Grumman and Embraer.”
Governor DeSantis made the announcement at the airport’s STS AeroMod aircraft repair and modification facility.
“Investing in improvements at the Orlando Melbourne International Airport is a smart choice,” said Governor DeSantis. “This Florida Job Growth Grant Fund award allows the Melbourne Airport Authority to make significant infrastructure improvements that will attract aviation and aerospace businesses from across the globe to invest in Florida. Additionally, the Melbourne Airport Authority has done an exceptional job working with their partners at the local level to ensure the local workforce can meet the growing demand for talent that comes with additional investment.”
“We are grateful to Governor DeSantis for his leadership and for the state’s investment into necessary infrastructure at MLB,” said Greg Donovan, A.A.E., Executive Director at Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB). “Today’s grant announcement, along with other transportation related funding, will empower us to expand taxiways, aircraft aprons, and the operating environment for new company growth. As several companies are contemplating large aerospace projects, MLB is the perfect location for long term success. Our airport currently generates $2.8B in annual economic impact and with these new grants, we will win future projects resulting in hundreds of high paying jobs.”