U.S. Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., who is running for the Democratic nomination to challenge U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., next year, announced more than $171 million for Orlando International Airport.
On Tuesday, Demings showcased the funds, which came from the $1.9 trillion federal stimulus package passed on a party-lines vote at the end of March.
“Orlando International Airport will receive over $171 million as part of a nationwide $8 billion in grants to keep U.S. airport workers employed, construction projects going and help U.S. airports recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Deming’s office noted.
The funds come from Airport Rescue Grants which are being championed by U.S. Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg.
“The Airport Rescue Grants keep workers employed and help the aviation sector recover as more Americans get vaccinated and begin traveling again. These grants are part of the administration’s commitment to build back a better and safer transportation system throughout our country,” Buttigieg said about the funds.
Demings also noted that the stimulus included $2.5 billion in Head Start funds. Her district will get $5.1 million of those fund “to help Florida reopen childcare providers safely, keep workers on payroll, and lower costs for hardworking families.”
“Investments in our children and our economy are critical as we work to move out of this pandemic and rebuild American prosperity. We passed the American Rescue Plan to put checks into pockets, vaccines into arms, and provide a surge of targeted resources into our economy. I am proud to announce today’s new funding, which will help our airport recover, welcome visitors and residents back to Orlando, prepare Florida’s children for success, and help parents get back to work and grow our economy knowing that their children are safe and cared for,” Demings said.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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