This week, U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., announced more federal funds will be going to Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) to upgrade lighting equipment, building a new tarmac and have more airfield guidance signs.
Murphy announced on Tuesday that SFB will receive $4,464,990 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“I’m pleased to announce this federal investment at Orlando Sanford International Airport, which will boost tourism and economic development in the region,” said Murphy. “A world-class destination needs a world-class infrastructure, and I’ll keep fighting for investments like this that facilitate central Florida’s growth, bring in more industry, and create more and better-paying jobs for Seminole County.”
“The Orlando Sanford International Airport continues to appreciate the tremendous awareness and support for our needs demonstrated by Congresswoman Murphy. As a commercial service airport, the congresswoman’s efforts on our behalf are critical to our success and future growth,” said SFB President Diane Crews.
Back in September, Murphy announced the FAA sent $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.” At the end of July 2018, 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 in September 2017 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 to represent a swing district in Central Florida, Murphy could be a Republican target in the 2020 election cycles though she did impressively defeat then state Rep. Mike Miller in last year’s general election.
