PENSACOLA, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis awarded more Than $12 Million in Northwest Florida through the Job Growth Grant Fund on Monday.
DeSantis made the announcement in Pensacola Monday morning at a news conference.
The governor says all the projects will help improve infrastructure and workforce in the region and beyond.
The goal is more jobs and that will come from funding these targeted infrastructure projects.
“It’s a strategy based around talent development around workforce education, around ready modern infrastructure, infrastructure that’s welcoming to business and job creators,” Florida Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly said.
Governor Ron Desantis announced four major grants for areas in Northwest Florida.
Pensacola State College getting one of those grants. $4.4 million will be used to establish a new airframe and power plant mechanics program.
“A 25,000 square foot facility next to Hangar three will do more than just teach the AP mechanics, but other advanced certifications in the aviation field,” President of Pensacola State College, Dr. Ed Meadows said.
The money will be used to build a new Hangar, and training equipment, and cover operating costs at Pensacola International Airport.
The governor says the program will provide an opportunity to train more people to work in the aviation and aerospace industry.
“That will lead to students being able to not only do well for themselves but also fill critical needs that we have in our economy here in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said.
Santa Rosa County also received half a million dollars in grant money for the Whiting Aviation Park security fence project.
“This project will create a secure double entry gate system, which will connect the field to the aviation park. It will also allow aircraft to move safely between the base and maintenance area,” DeSantis said.
The governor says this will enhance security and maintenance operations.
He also says all of these investments do not only benefit the immediate communities, but the entire region and state as a whole.
Defuniak Springs and Jackson County received grants as well.
You can find more information about those projects here.