U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood announces $1.8 million grant for Jacksonville International Airport

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced a $1.8 million Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant to construct a Regional Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) Training Facility at Florida State College adjacent to Jacksonville International Airport.

“This funding will provide fire fighters and rescue personnel with a much-needed local facility to train for emergencies at a number of Florida airports and other airports in the Southeast United States,” said Secretary LaHood. “This investment will contribute to greater safety for the traveling public for years to come.”

The FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant will provide money for a regional training facility that will provide a full range of ARFF training. The facility is part of a co-sponsorship agreement between the Jacksonville Aviation Authority and Florida State College.

Construction will begin in November 2012 and will take approximately nine months to complete.

“This grant helps provide the required ARFF training to ensure the operational safety and efficiency of Florida’s airports and other airports in the Southeast United States, as well as continued quality service to the traveling public,” said Acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.

AIP provides $3.35 billion in annual funding for airport improvement projects that are vital to maintaining the safety, capacity, and environmental stewardship of our nation’s airports. More than 3,300 airports nationally are eligible for AIP grants benefiting commercial passengers, cargo operations, and general aviation activities.