DeFuniak Springs Celebrates Opening of New $8.4 Million Airport Terminal
DeFuniak Springs, Fla. – The City of DeFuniak Springs marked a major milestone in local economic development with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its brand-new municipal airport terminal. State and local leaders joined city officials on Friday to celebrate the completion of the $8.4 million construction project, which represents years of planning and collaboration.
The new terminal was made possible through multiple aviation-related funding sources, including grants from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant, and City allocations from the American Rescue Plan Act.
“This terminal is a key phase in our airport expansion project and has been a priority for the city for many years,” said DeFuniak Springs Mayor Bob Campbell. “Even through the challenges of the pandemic and shifting economic conditions, we remained committed to this modernization. We are confident this investment will serve our city and region for years to come.”
A Gateway to Growth
The terminal is only the beginning of broader improvements. Upcoming phases of the expansion include:
- Runway widening and extension to support larger aircraft.
- New hangar construction to attract aviation-related businesses.
- A new access road and taxiway to improve connectivity and operations.
City officials and project partners anticipate that these upgrades will generate nearly 500 new jobs over the next decade, creating opportunities across construction, aviation services, and supporting industries.
Regional Economic Impact
When fully completed, the airport expansion is expected to deliver a substantial economic boost for both DeFuniak Springs and surrounding communities. With enhanced infrastructure, the municipal airport will be better positioned to attract business investments, aviation technology projects, and increased tourism.
The project underscores the city’s long-term vision for sustainable economic growth. “The City is consistently seeking additional aviation-related funding opportunities to promote new economic growth in current and advanced aviation-related areas,” Mayor Campbell added.
The new terminal not only enhances the airport’s functionality but also symbolizes a forward-looking investment in Northwest Florida’s future.