The City of Kissimmee and the Kissimmee Gateway Airport were recently awarded a $1 million grant to design and replace the airport’s air traffic control tower.
The Kissimmee Gateway Airport stated in a press release that this grant, which was provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), “underscores the city’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and services at the airport.”
After a rigorous selection process, the airport was selected for the funding, marking a “crucial step forward” in the facility’s plan for growth and development.
Shaun Germolus, the City of Kissimmee Director of Aviation, stated that the city is “enthusiastic about the opportunity to design and replace the Kissimmee Gateway Airport air traffic control tower.” He added that the tower serves a pivotal role in ensuring that aviation operations in the Orlando region remain safe and efficient.
After years of planning and preparation, the new tower will be strategically located at Kissimmee Gateway Airport (401 Dyer Boulevard in Kissimmee), boasting double the height and providing essential space for modern equipment and staffing functions.
“The project aligns seamlessly with the city’s strategic plan to enhance the airport’s stature as a major employment hub for our community, further diversifying Kissimmee’s economy with higher paying technical jobs,” said City Manager Mike Steigerwald.
The city manager further stated that the Federal Aviation Administration’s funding initiative “underscores the importance of sustaining and modernizing airport-owned towers, ensuring aviation operations’ continued safety and efficiency.”
The goal of the grant funding, according to the FAA, is to “sustain, construct, repair, improve, modernize, replace, or relocate airport-owned towers and install communications equipment.” Kissimmee Gateway Airport will utilize the $1 million in funding to achieve these objectives in an effort to elevate the standards of aviation services in the region.
For more information, visit the Kissimmee Gateway Airport’s website.