Airport Gets Grant to Help Attract Low Cost Carrier

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a $575,000 grant to the Panama City airport to help attract a low cost carrier to the region and to help current airlines expand their service. The federal dollars will be matched with $529,500 in cash and in-kind contributions from the local business community.

It’s good news for Bay County – but the folks in Okaloosa County reacted a little differently. Here’s how The Northwest Florida Daily News covered the story:

“Okaloosa Regional Airport has been passed over for a $500,000 grant that would have been used to bring a low-cost airline to the area…

“We’re very disappointed,” said Mike Stenson, financial analyst at the Okaloosa Regional Airport.

“Neighboring Panama City was the sole winner from Florida, receiving a $575,000 Small Community Air Service grant. [emphasis added]

“Officials say there is no clear explanation why Okaloosa was shut out of the grant program.”

One explanation might be that the new Panama City airport represents the future of air service in the region. With Eglin AFB’s mission expanding, that is probably a good thing all around.

As we approach a groundbreaking for the new airport, the effort to attract better air service to the region has to begin in earnest.