Florida Construction News staff writer
A $4.2 million federal grant will support the aerospace and defense sectors by connecting Naval Air Station Whiting Field to Whiting Aviation Park in Santa Rosa. The Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) award will help construct a helipad and an about 2,800 linear foot taxiway to connect the two areas.
“Today’s award will connect the Santa Rosa community with high-wage job opportunities and further support the growth of the aerospace industry,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. “As an important military community, Santa Rosa has access to a talented workforce, making it a great place for aerospace and defense companies to do business.”
The announcement follows the groundbreaking of the Leonardo Helicopters Florida Support Center in Whiting Aviation Park, where construction has started on a 113,000 sq. ft. aviation maintenance facility.
“Today’s award simultaneously grows available jobs, connects businesses to local developed talent, and provides Floridians with meaningful long-term careers in the booming aerospace industry,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly.” I applaud Leonardo Helicopters for their continued dedication to aerospace workforce development in Santa Rosa.”
The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is an economic development program designed to promote public infrastructure and workforce training across the state. Proposals are reviewed by FloridaCommerce and are chosen by DeSantis to meet the demands for workforce training or infrastructure needs in communities around the state.
FloridaCommerce is currently accepting proposals until all funding has been awarded. For more information, visit www.FloridaJobs.org/JobGrowth.
