GNV airport gets $6.3 million in federal funds

The Gainesville Regional Airport received a $6.3 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration that will help pay for a new firefighting rescue vehicle along with pavement rehabilitation on the general aviation side. 

The funds will cover 90% of the two purchases, with the new vehicle costing just over $1 million and the apron pavement improvements coming in at nearly $6 million. 

Congresswoman Kat Cammack announced the grant on Tuesday, just a week after the airport released information on a new airline and route would launch in August.  

“To continue the service patrons have come to expect at Gainesville Regional, it’s imperative to improve the infrastructure and continue to attract more travelers who deserve the best visitor experience possible,” Cammack said in a press release. “I know GNV will put the funds to good use, and I look forward to seeing the improvements.” 

The airport has received past grants that have also gone toward apron improvements and taxiway geometry to keep up with FAA regulations.  

The airport staffs a 24/7 fire station to take care of its facilities. The new grant will allow the replacement of its older rescue vehicle.  

“These funds are vital to our continued growth and maintenance of key infrastructure,” Allan Penksa, Gainesville airport CEO, said in a statement. “The state-of-the-art aircraft firefighting and rescue vehicle will replace an older unit that is due for retirement. Continued improvements to our general aviation pavements allow us to better serve the many charter aircraft that visit our facility, facilitates new storage hangars, and extends the life of critical infrastructure.”