Pensacola State College, the city of DeFuniak Springs, Santa Rosa County, and Jackson County will receive funding for projects supporting the aviation and aerospace industry, the military and defense industry, and increase access to workforce housing.
The following awards come from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) and the Defense Infrastructure Grant (DIG):
- Pensacola State College – $4.4 million to establish a new Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics program that will support construction of a new hanger, training equipment, and operating costs for the education program which will be located at the Pensacola Airport.
- DeFuniak Springs- $3.1 million to construct two 6,400-square-foot hangers, one 10,000-square-foot hanger, a taxiway, an access road and associated utilities. New infrastructure will allow the airport to attract innovative employers in aerospace and defense, including Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
- Jackson County – $4.7 million to connect a workforce housing development with an industrial area with a new 1.3-mile, two-lane road.
The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is an economic development program designed to promote public infrastructure and workforce training across the state. Proposals are reviewed by FloridaCommerce and chosen to meet demands for workforce training or infrastructure needs in communities around the state.
Also, Santa Rosa County Whiting Aviation Park – Security Fence Project will receive $500 through the Defense Infrastructure Grant to create a secure, double-entry gate system connecting NAS Whiting Aviation Park which will allow aircraft to move safely and efficiently between the base and maintenance area.
Defense Infrastructure Grants support transportation and access, housing, utilities, communications, and security needs for military communities across the state.
