State of Florida Jumps Ahead of Texas For Second-Most Airline Passengers in the Nation
By Space Coast Daily // July 10, 2017
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Governor Scott announced that Florida’s airports rank second in the nation for airline passenger volume according to preliminary data from the Federal Aviation Administration and Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Governor Scott also applauded President Trump and the U.S. Department of Transportation for awarding $10.6 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants to eight Florida airports.
“I am proud to announce that Florida’s airports have surpassed Texas and are now second in the nation for the most amount of airline passengers,” said Gov Rick Scott.
“Florida’s airports help welcome millions of visitors, business leaders and families to our state each year, and have a significant impact on supporting job creation and growing our economy. That is why I am proud that we have invested more than $1 billion in state funding in our airports over the past six years.”
Gov. Scott went on to add,“I would also like to thank the Trump Administration for awarding federal funding to eight Florida airports so we can continue to grow. I was proud to join President Trump last month at the White House to discuss the future of infrastructure, and it is clear that we have a partner in D.C. that understands the importance of supporting transportation projects in Florida. We will continue to make important investments in our airports so Florida can be first for airline passengers.”
According to the latest statistics available from the Federal Aviation Administration (preliminary 2016), Florida’s airports now handle more enplanements than Texas, placing it second in the nation only to California.
Data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics support that claim.
“Florida’s airports are critical to the economy of our state and Governor Scott has demonstrated that by investing over $1 billion in our airport system,” said Mike Dew, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary.
The Florida airports receiving federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants are Daytona Beach International Airport, DeFuniak Springs Airport, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, Wauchula Municipal Airport, St Pete‐Clearwater International, Jacksonville International, New Smyrna Beach Municipal, and Space Coast Regional.
The Fighting for Florida’s Future budget signed by Governor Scott last month included more than $263 million for aviation improvements, and since 2011, the State of Florida has invested more than $1 billion in Florida’s airports.
Florida airports account for 1.3 million Florida jobs with an annual payroll of $44.5 billion, and support more than $144 billion in annual economic activity. Florida has four large hub airports, more than any other state.
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