Jacksonville Aviation Authority requesting another $2M for spaceport infrastructure

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority has requested about $2 million in state grants to support Cecil Spaceport infrastructure.

Those funds would support utilities and roads to increase access to the site, said spokesman Michael Stewart.

The spaceport already received $2 million in the last legislative session for a taxiway and ramp space, he said. However, because those funds were not approved as recurring, the aviation authority has to lobby for this second phase.

“We actually wanted something close to $5 million,” he said. “We're hoping to convince them to give us something north of $2 million.”

He said state Sens. Audrey Gibson and Aaron Bean and Rep. Lake Ray had been promoting the aviation authority in the house and senate.

“They're carrying water for us on the legislative side,” he said. “They're doing a great job.”

CEO Steve Grossman said the funding will depend on other legislative issues, but he remains positive.

“We're mildly optimistic,” he said, “even though it's a heavy lift.”