The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is sending more than $10 million to Lakeland Linder International Airport in Central Florida.
On Thursday, freshman U.S. Rep. Ross Spano, R-Fla., announced DOT is sending $10.15 million to Lakeland Linder as an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) discretionary grant. These funds are in addition to other AIP funds sent to Lakeland Linder to improve its main runway and to reconstruct runway lighting.
“This is fantastic news for Lakeland Linder and Florida 15,” Spano said on Thursday morning. “These improvements will have a positive impact for our airport and the local economy. Airport Director Conrad and his team have done a great job positioning this facility to take advantage of its prime location between Tampa and Orlando. I’m glad DOT recognized the investments they have made and provided this grant to help update the runway infrastructure needed to attract new businesses and jobs.”
Spano noted he intended to keep fighting for the airport through his committee assignments.
“As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Subcommittee on Aviation, I intend to keep advocating for funding to make improvements,” said Spano.
Airport Director Eugene Conrad was glad to have the funds.
“We are very grateful and fortunate to have great partners in the FAA’s Orlando Airports District Office that believe in our airports future. Lakeland Linder International Airport’s economic impact to the region has more than tripled in the last 8 years to $574 million annually because of strong partnerships with our state and federal partners,” Conrad said.
With more than 125,000 aircraft operations each year, Lakeland Linder ranks as the 112th busiest airport year. The airport houses NOAA Hurricane Hunters, the Central Florida Aerospace Academy and Polk State College’s Aerospace programs. Back in May, Amazon announced it would invest $100 million into the airport, adding 1,000 jobs to the area.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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