At the end of last week, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., announced that airports in the Panhandle will receive $2.6 million from the federal government to improve their facilities.
Gaetz said on Friday that the U.S. Department of Transportation will send the money before September to four airports in Northwest Florida. The Eglin AFB/Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is getting the overwhelming majority of those funds with $2.1 million going there to improve the taxiways. The Bob Sikes Airport (CEW) in Crestview is getting $270,000 and the Destin Executive Airport (DTS) is getting $198,000 to rehabilitate their aprons. The Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is getting almost $44,000 to clear obstacles and expand.
The freshman Republican made his case for why this money was needed.
“It is critical to invest in our airports,” Gaetz said on Friday. “Maintaining and upgrading airport infrastructure, while giving them room to grow and expand, will help our airports better meet the needs of travelers.”
Gaetz also said the airport improvements can help boost tourism in the region.
“Northwest Florida has always been a popular destination for tourism, business, and governmental travel,” Gaetz said. “The $2.6 million in grants from the Department of Transportation will allow Northwest Florida’s popularity as a travel destination to continue to grow, now and in the years to come.”
Local officials applauded the additional funds.
“This is exciting news, as we expect to serve over a million passengers this year,” said Carolyn Ketchel, the chair of the Okaloosa County Commission . We’ve seen unprecedented growth at the Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport. The work that the congressman has done will allow us to enhance amenities that are much-needed at each of the airports.”
“The ability for the Pensacola International Airport to continue moving forward with the acquisition and preparation of property for future development is of paramount importance in the city of Pensacola’s ongoing efforts to protect the airport from incompatible adjacent land use, and for future economic diversification opportunities at the facility,” said Dan Flynn, the director of Pensacola International Airport.
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