U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced today that Tampa International Airport received a $5.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for important airfield upgrades.  The new infrastructure dollars follow two other significant transportation announcements:  New Tampa International Airport flights to Cuba and new, modern buses for HART.  All are welcome news for hard-working families and businesses of Tampa Bay. 

“The Tampa Bay area’s economy continues to grow and transportation improvements are an important way to create higher-wage jobs and new opportunities.  Infrastructure investments at the airport has put thousands to work already.  The new U.S. Department of Transportation grant will keep the momentum going and ensure that Tampa International Airport remains one of the best in the world," said U.S. Rep. Castor. “Tampa International Airport is a major gateway for tourists and business travelers, and its strong economic impact will be increased by this investment. Federal funding to rehab its taxiway and apron will ensure Tampa International stays ‎where it is -- ‎among the nation’s and world’s favorite airports ‎and increase the airport’s already high standards for safety and efficiency.”

The announcement comes on the heels of earlier good economic news of ‎consistent commercial flights by Southwest Airlines to Havana, Cuba from Tampa International Airport, which was approved by DOT last month.

This infrastructure investment also adds to another of Tampa’s recent successes in attracting federal grants to help create jobs and grow our economy. Earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Castor announced a $4.3 million DOT grant for HART for eight new modern buses to help neighbors in our region get to and from work. In addition, this major investment supports HART’s initiative to convert from dirty fuels to CNG-powered vehicles.

 

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