FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2022
City of DeFuniak Springs Receives Historic Notice to Proceed on $6.9 Million Airport Terminal Project
DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla. – The City of DeFuniak Springs received a historic notice to proceed from the Florida Department of Transportation to begin work on the $6.9 million airport terminal at the DeFuniak Springs Municipal Airport located at 1931 U.S. Highway 90 West, DeFuniak Springs, Florida.
“This monumental project would not be possible without the support and teamwork of many who advocated on behalf of the city to make this vision a reality,” said City Manager Robert Thompson.
The City of DeFuniak Springs Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and Airport Director thank the following individuals:
- Senator George B. Gainer
- Representative Brad Drake
- FDOT District Three Secretary Phillip Gainer
- FDOT District Three Director of Transportation Development Tim Smith
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- The Walton County Board of County Commissioners
- Cliff Knauer of Dewberry
- AVCON, Inc.
- Dominguez Design-Build, Inc.
- Community Stakeholders
None of this would be possible without our friends at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Our partnership with the FAA is priceless and foundational to our success. We are grateful for their $667,000 donation to the project, and their consistent expertise and guidance in the planning and development.
On the state level, we send many thanks to Senator George B. Gainer and Representative Brad Drake for their tireless advocacy of Walton County and the vision to appropriate funds to the DeFuniak Springs Municipal Airport terminal project. We're also incredibly grateful for the unwavering support and guidance from Florida Department of Transportation-District Three Secretary Phillip Gainer and District Three Director of Transportation Development Tim Smith.
The cooperation and teamwork of our local stakeholders is exceptional. The support and partnership with the Walton County Board of County Commissioners is immeasurable, and we’re grateful for their donation of $5 million towards the project. Our team of engineers is outstanding, and we appreciate our engineer-of-record AVCON, Inc. as they transition with Dewberry to collaborate with our new partners at Dominguez Design-Build, Inc.
“The FDOT Notice to Proceed is extremely exciting. We haven’t had any new projects in 20-30 years so this is our first substantial project and a revenue generator for the city,” said Mayor Bob Campbell. “The county has made quite a donation and commitment to the airport. I’d love to see our community benefit from the potential business development here as corporate executives who leave their jets here will soon realize this is an attractive location for business and bring jobs here for our people.”
Councilman Todd Bierbaum confirmed the economic impact. “The Notice to Proceed represents the next step in the terminal expansion project and the City Council’s effort to leverage state and federal resources. This expansion of our airport allows for local jobs, economic impact and aligns with the council’s goal to balance the budget, freeing general fund dollars for other civic purposes,” he said.
Councilman Bierbaum was the first to coin the mission statement for the airport which was approved by the City Council. The mission statement reads: “The DeFuniak Springs Municipal Airport is a community airport that serves general and corporate aviation. Our mission is to be the premier general aviation airport on the Emerald Coast and the gateway airport to the beaches of South Walton.”
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About The City of DeFuniak Springs: Located in Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, one hundred miles east of Tallahassee, the City of DeFuniak Springs is the county seat of Walton County. We are the gateway to the beaches of the Emerald Coast and home to Lake DeFuniak, one of only two spring-fed lakes in the world that is almost perfectly round. Founded in the 19th century as a resort for railroad travelers, and later the summer resort for the Chautauqua, the town welcomed presidents, poets, writers, and musicians to the charming community as a vacation destination. We still welcome travelers interested in Florida's rich history and culture. To find out more, visit our website at www.defuniaksprings.net or call (850) 892-8500.