Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. John L. Mica (R-Winter Park) today announced Volusia County and the Daytona Beach International Airport were awarded a $7 million grant by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
        “With the evolution of NextGen technologies taking place at Daytona Beach International Airport in conjunction with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, it is essential their facilities are of the highest standards,” Mica said. “This grant will enable the airport to continue supporting the community and working to create the nation’s future air traffic control system.”
        The grant will be used to complete the rehabilitation, including the lighting system, of runway 07L/25R.  The project is essential to maintain structural integrity of the runway’s pavement to minimize debris on the runway and will allow the airport to finish Phase II of the 10,500 foot runway rehabilitation and reengineering by Oct 20th of this year.
        Phase I of the project started on November 15th of last year with approximately $10 million in federal assistance.  The project is being completed in coordination with the implementation of an upgraded instrument landing system.  Operations will not be interrupted during the upgrades and when complete, Daytona Beach International Airport will have a first-class 10,500 foot runway.
       
         “This funding gives us an opportunity to complete this very important project for the County, and we can’t thank Congressman John Mica and the FAA enough,” continued Volusia County Chairman Frank Bruno.  “It means jobs and economic development for the community and assists Embry-Riddle in their aviation research and development.”
        Director of Aviation and Economic Resources for Daytona Beach International Airport Rick Karl concluded, “In fact, $14.7 million will be spent locally for paving and engineering, and this award continues to provide jobs and stimulate the economy in a significant way in these challenging times.”