We’re pleased to share some exciting news from one of our partners, the Central Florida Regional Planning Council (CFRPC). The CFRPC was recently awarded a $300,000 U.S. Economic Development Administration Disaster Supplemental Grant that will benefit the aviation and aerospace industries in Polk and Highlands counties. The link to CFRPC’s announcement is here or read below for details.
Winter Haven Regional Airport – a great place to land
$300,000 EDA Grant Awarded to Support Growth of Aviation Industry
in Polk & Highlands Counties
Aviation and aerospace industry development in Polk and Highlands counties recently received a boost when the Central Florida Regional Planning Council (CFRPC) was awarded a $300,000 U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Disaster Supplemental Grant.
The impact from Hurricane Irma on Polk and Highlands counties added to challenges faced due to the region’s lack of economic diversification and low wages and highlighted the need to bring in more resilient and higher wage jobs. “Aviation was identified as an emerging industry in the most recent five-year regional economic development plan for Highlands and Polk County and so this grant opportunity from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) is coming to us at the perfect time. It will allow us to foster the growth of the aviation industry, diversifying the economy and providing stable long-term job growth” stated Executive Director of the CFRPC, Pat Steed.
Highlands County Development Services Director, Benjamin Dunn stated, “This grant is an excellent opportunity to continue Highlands County’s efforts to diversify our economy and enhance job possibilities in the aviation sector. This work will support other grants we are developing in partnership with the CFRPC which will provide strategic economic vision as we look to the future.”
The CFRPC will use the grant funds to develop an Aviation Action Plan that will support the growth of the aviation industry in Polk and Highlands counties through the identification of the region’s assets and opportunities and build on those assets while creating a collaborative network to support the growth of the aviation industry. Guiding the plan will be an Aviation Task Force, including local and regional partners in aviation, economic development, and education.
President of the Winter Haven Economic Development Council, Bruce Lyon, sees great potential in focusing on the emerging aviation and aerospace industries in Polk and Highlands communities. “With the right strategic planning and cooperative relationships between airports, economic development organizations, and private industry, we look forward to a plan that will facilitate economic resiliency in the region and provide more stable, high wage jobs.”
For more information, contact the Central Florida Regional Planning Council at 863-534-7130.
Seaplanes are one part of our growing aviation industry
CSX Intermodal Terminal/Logistics Center – an important distribution asset