Governor Ron DeSantis announced a $2.5 million state grant to Melbourne International Airport on Friday, aimed at expanding its maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) facilities. The funding is expected to create 500 new jobs in the area, according to a press release from the Florida Department of Transportation. The airport, located just south of Melbourne in Brevard County, has been a key player in the region’s aviation sector for decades. The expansion will focus on upgrading hangars, training centers, and equipment to meet growing demand from commercial and private aviation clients.
The grant comes as part of DeSantis’ broader push to boost infrastructure and economic development across Florida. The state has allocated over $100 million in aviation-related funding since 2021, with a particular emphasis on southeast Florida. Melbourne International Airport officials said the MRO expansion will position the airport as a major hub for aircraft maintenance in the region. The project is expected to take two years to complete, with construction beginning in early 2024.
The airport’s CEO, Mark Thompson, said the investment will help attract new businesses to the area. 'This funding is a game-changer for our community,' Thompson said in a statement. 'It will not only create jobs but also strengthen our ties to the aviation industry.' The expansion is projected to generate $50 million in annual economic activity once fully operational.
Brevard County officials have welcomed the announcement, noting that the airport is a critical link in the region’s transportation network. The county has seen a 15% increase in air traffic over the past five years, driven by growth in both tourism and business travel. The MRO expansion is expected to handle an additional 200 aircraft annually, reducing wait times and improving service for pilots and airlines.
The grant is the latest in a series of state investments in Brevard’s infrastructure, including recent upgrades to the Space Coast’s roadways and ports. DeSantis’ office said the funding will be administered through the Florida Department of Transportation, with oversight from local officials to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.