Florida airports get more state funding

Airports with lists of needed improvements can now get more funding to help complete those projects. Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has signed House Bill 985, which will help community airports access federal improvement funds with fewer local dollars by increasing the state's contribution to the matching funds. "This will allow airports that previously couldn't afford important improvements to spend a little of their own money to get grants to cover the rest of the cost," said Greg Pecoraro, AOPA vice president of regional affairs. The Florida Department of Transportation also now has the authority to grant State Infrastructure Bank loans to airports for immediate repair of infrastructure damage due to an emergency like a tornado or hurricane. This will allow airports to start the clean-up and repair process while awaiting money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.