Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward announced today that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has formally offered Pensacola International Airport an $11,090,000 matching grant for the development of future facilities and airport infrastructure.
“Our airport has great service and first-class facilities, but lacks the apron space and airside infrastructure needed to support the aerospace sector and other industrial applications,” said Mayor Hayward. “Pensacola International is in a great strategic position to support supply chain, aircraft maintenance, and logistics operations, and that translates into high-paying jobs and new economic opportunities.”
The FDOT grant will provide 50 percent funding for capital improvements achieved prior to June 2016. Mayor Hayward will ask the City Council to approve the grant agreement at its June meeting.
“This funding can help us take Pensacola International Airport to the next level,” said Airport Director Greg Donovan. “This is a great opportunity to move forward with building additional taxiways, aircraft parking, and hangar space that is in high demand.”
The grant also supports infrastructure for future cargo operations and is the starting point for funding support buildings, roads, and vehicle parking at the Airport Commerce Park, planned on 65 acres adjacent to the northwest of runway 17/35.
“Looking toward the future, we need to be ready to support suppliers and the aerospace industry as our region benefits from the presence of Airbus,” said Hayward. “This grant will help us continue our work to diversify our employment base and create an environment where businesses can succeed. I want to thank Governor Scott and Secretary Prasad their commitment to Northwest Florida and to job creation and economic growth.”
About Pensacola International Airport
Owned and operated by the City of Pensacola, Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is the largest airport between New Orleans and Jacksonville and the 97th largest airport in the United States. AirTran Airways, American Eagle, Delta Air Lines, Silver Airways, United, and US Airways provide scheduled air service to 9 international hubs. Effective November 3, 2013, Southwest Airlines will introduce daily service to Nashville International Airport and Houston Hobby Airport.
The airport recently completed a five-year, $82 million terminal expansion project using airport-specific revenue and transportation focused grants. No ad valorem or general sales tax revenue has been used for airport improvements.
Since 2001, PNS has enjoyed a record increase of 54% in business, military and leisure passenger utilization. Pensacola International Airport accommodates over 1.5 million passengers per year and generates an annual economic impact of over $565 million.