On Thursday, the Trump administration announced it was sending more than $12 to the city of Pensacola for improvements to Pensacola International Airport.

U.S. Commerce Sec. Wilbur Ross announced the Economic Development Administration (EDA) is sending a $12.25 million grant  for “critical infrastructure improvements needed to establish a maintenance training facility at Pensacola International Airport.” With more than $36 million in state and local investments also in the mix, the project is expected to create 400 jobs in the area.

Ross offered some insights on the funds on Thursday.

“The Trump administration is committed to not only retaining jobs in this country, but also to creating new opportunities for Americans,” said Ross. “The new maintenance training facility being built with the help of this grant will prepare students for careers in the commercial aviation industry while also making the region’s economy more resilient in the face of future natural disasters.”

Elected officials from the Sunshine State applauded the funds.

“As Florida continues on a path of economic growth, it is imperative that we work to strengthen our infrastructure and workforce development programs,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis. “Thanks to the support from President Trump and Secretary Ross, this $12.25 million grant for Pensacola will create new opportunities for our students, boost our economy through job creation and increased investment, and enhance the region’s resiliency to natural disasters.”

“Last year alone, more than 126 million visitors traveled to Florida – with nearly 94 million of those visitors traveling through our airports,” said U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla. “As governor and now as senator, I will always work to give our airports the resources they need to operate safely and efficiently. This $12.25 million EDA investment for infrastructure improvements at Pensacola International Airport will build on our efforts and help the airport sustain our state’s continued growth.”

“Once again, the Trump administration has invested in a big way for Northwest Florida,” said U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., on Thursday. “This project will make the Pensacola Airport a hub of activity for training our nation’s future pilots, creating more jobs for Floridians, and generating many more indirect high-demand, high-paying jobs in the aviation and aerospace industry. I’m thrilled by the continued growth in our community, and thanks to the strong leadership from Mayor Grover Robinson, the city of Pensacola, and the board of Triumph Gulf Coast, I’m confident this growth will continue long into the future. The excellent collaboration between the city of Pensacola, Escambia County, and Triumph Gulf Coast proves we are moving in an exciting direction. The Trump administration clearly recognizes the value of Northwest Florida — modernizing our infrastructure shows a bright future for Florida and for our country.”

Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.