Florida invests $14.5M in aviation and manufacturing

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced more than $14.5 million in infrastructure and workforce development funding to be awarded through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF). The JGGF is an economic development program designed to promote public infrastructure and workforce training across the state. Each year proposals are reviewed by FloridaCommerce and chosen by the governor to meet the demand for workforce or infrastructure needs for the communities that receive them.

This round of grants was awarded to Indian River State College, Miami Dade College, Sebring Airport Authority and Wakulla County. The money going to these groups will support critical infrastructure projects and expand workforce training opportunities at the local level. Specifically, the grant money will fund projects advancing the key industries of aviation, aerospace and manufacturing.

Indian River State College

Indian River State College was awarded $4 million to develop the Institute for Industrial Manufacturing and Production Training. This institute will provide accelerated technical vocational training to meet the needs of production and industrial manufactures with the college’s service area.

Miami Dade College

Miami Dade College was granted $4.9 million to create two new aircraft mechanic programs. Together the two programs will allow graduates to seamlessly transition from Miami Dade College to a maintenance, repair, and operations facility with minimal additional training.

Sebring Airport Authority

$2.1 million will be given to Sebring Airport Authority to reconstruct the roadway and surface of Webster Turn Drive. The improvement of this vital road will increase the region’s logistical efficiency. It will also allow local businesses to utilize the road between the logistics center and the airport.

Wakulla County

Wakulla County will receive $3.5 million for the development and construction of two county-owned buildings. These buildings will help to expand manufacturing initiatives within Wakulla County’s Opportunity Park.

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