From her perch on the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, D-Fla., helped secure U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funds for the Key West International Airport.
On Thursday, Mucarsel-Powell, who is wrapping up her first six months on Capitol Hill, announced that DOT is sending $360,000 to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners to help make the runways Key West International Airport safer.
“Last year, 870,000 people flew into the Key West International Airport. It is our duty to ensure passengers arrive and depart safely,” said Mucarsel-Powell.
“The safety of our community and our visitors is one of my top concerns, and our travel infrastructure must be maintained to sustain our tourism industry. I’m pleased that this funding will make our airport safer and help grow our economy,” she added.
“This award provides federal funding for the Key West International Airport associated with Key West, Florida. The project improves the runway safety area to enhance the safety of airport operations,” the congresswoman’s office noted.
First elected to Congress last year when she edged U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla., Mucarsel-Powell represents all of Monroe County and parts of Miami-Dade County. Representing a swing district, Mucarsel-Powell is expected to be a top target for Republicans as the GOP looks to flip the House in 2020.
Kevin Derby can be reached at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com
