Okaloosa Airports to Receive Federal Grant Money for Improvements

PENSACOLA, FL: Congressman Matt Gaetz is proud to announce airports in Okaloosa County will receive federal grant money from the United States Department of Transportation totaling $354,408. The grant money will be used to update the master plans for both airports to reflect current and future development.

To update the airport master plan narrative reports and the airport layout plans, which will allow local airports to address key objectives for future development, the Bob Sikes Airport (CEW) will receive $179,141.00 and the Destin Executive Airport (DTS) will receive $175,267.00.

"Northwest Florida's popularity as a destination for tourism, business, and government travel continues to grow, and our airports help drive that growth. Maintaining and upgrading our airport facilities is critical to maintaining Northwest Florida's status as a world-class destination. The $354,408 in grants from the Department of Transportation will allow the aviation industry within Okaloosa County to continue to thrive," said Congressman Matt Gaetz.

"We thank Congressman Gaetz for bringing much needed dollars to our two general aviation airports. He's working hard in the best interest of the citizens for Okaloosa County," said Carolyn Ketchel, Okaloosa Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners and Airport Liaison.

The grant money is expected to be disbursed before September.