Airport gets help in preparing for the 450th

U.S. Rep. John L. Mica told local news reporters in St. Johns County yesterday that the St. Augustine – St. Johns County Airport will receive more than $4.5 million in funding from the Federal Aviation Administration.

This funding was awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration — and is not part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, sometimes referred to as the stimulus.

Of the total the airport will receive, $4.5 million will be used for runway rehabilitation and an additional $ 68,252 will be used for a wildlife hazard assessment study and management plan.

Mica, who is the ranking Republican member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, said, “Improving the infrastructure and facilities at the St. Augustine Airport is important to attracting businesses and employers to that transportation center.”

“It is also vital to one of the County’s largest employers with significant facilities at the airport, Northrop Grumman,” said Rep. Mica of the award.

“Not only will these upgrades improve airport safety, but they will also improve access for private, commercial and military aircraft,” Mica told Historic City News reporters. “Maintaining and expanding our airports infrastructure must remain a priority to attract high income employment in St. Johns County.”

Congressman Mica concluded, “In preparing for the 450th anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine, this funding is another way to increase access to one of our nation’s great historical treasures and promote St. Johns County as a top destination.”