This week, U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., announced that more federal money will be heading to Central Florida to help Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB).
Murphy announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will send $1,031,228 federal to produce a new mandated Master Plan which, the congresswoman’s office noted, “is an FAA requirement that allows the airport to refine its plan to improve and expand facilities, increase domestic and international flights, and enhance the overall passenger experience.”
“I’m pleased to announce another federal investment into Orlando Sanford International Airport, which will help it continue to grow in a smart and effective way,” said Murphy. “We are proud to have SFB in Seminole County, and it’s been my pleasure to announce more than $10 million in federal investments into the airport in the last year alone. I will continue doing everything I can to support this important part of our community’s transportation infrastructure.”
“As the Orlando Sanford International Airport continues to grow and develop, the Master Plan is one of our primary tools to efficiently and effectively guide that process, with short-term, mid-term and long-term goals identified and quantified,” said SFB President Diane Crews. “Congresswoman Murphy’s support and understanding of our needs going forward is gratefully acknowledged by the Orlando Sanford International Airport.”
At the end of July, Murphy announced the FAA was sending $4.2 million to SFB to improve its operations and customer experience including expanding aircraft parking. These funds are in addition to $5.6 million that Murphy announced last September to expand a main taxi runway at SFB and add four new gates to the airport.
SFB continues to rank as one of the fastest growing airports in the country, going from less than 1.6 million passengers in 2011 to this year when it is expected to have 3 million passengers. SFB helps add more than 23,000 jobs and more than $3 billion to Central Florida.
After upsetting longtime U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., in 2016, Murphy is a top Republican target this November. On Tuesday, Republicans nominated state Rep. Mike Miller, R-Fla., to challenge her while Murphy easily turned aside a Democratic primary challenge.
