Florida allocates $5.8 million for Space Coast infrastructure, aiming to create 1,000 high-tech jobs (Courtesy of the Capitolist) –The State of Florida is allocating $5.8 million from its Job Growth Grant Fund to the Space Coast Regional Airport for public infrastructure development of Space Coast Innovation Park (SCIP), Gov. Ron DeSantis announced.
According to the filed grant proposal, the funds will be used to extend Challenger Avenue, a roadway connecting the airport to Grissom Parkway, which will improve access to surrounding industrial areas. The project includes utilities and stormwater systems and is essential for the SCIP development, which will provide nearly 1.4 million square feet of industrial space.
The project is anticipated to create up to 1,000 high-tech, space-related jobs, with companies from various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, and research.
“We’ve been bullish on this area for a long time … I think the state of Florida has been a really good partner with the commercial space industry and where we can make an impact,” the governor said. “This is something that I think it will produce jobs, it will produce positive revenue for both the local community and for the state of Florida.”
The extension of Challenger Avenue is expected to help North Brevard County recover from economic setbacks following the retirement of the Space Shuttle program in 2010.
“We’re a situation where we’re in this great commercial space investment boom and I think we have a lot more runway to be able to do on that,” DeSantis said.
Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Núñez appeared alongside DeSantis and praised the administration’s focus on aerospace, noting the rapid growth of the Space Coast and the economic benefits generated by Space Florida. The $5.8 million will also enhance the development potential of 100 acres of airport-owned land, which has struggled due to a lack of ready-to-develop sites.
“We’re excited to see the construction of this roadway that’s going to connect the Space Coast Innovation Park to the Space Coast Regional Airport and bring additional jobs to the region,” she said. “So as we look to the future and we look for more and more aerospace companies deciding to move here, our project pipeline continues to grow.”