Economic Development Transportation Fund To Enhance Infrastructure At Space Coast Regional Airport

Governor Jeb Bush has announced the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority has been awarded an Economic Development Transportation Fund "Road Fund" grant of up to $140,000 to pay for infrastructure improvements at the Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville. Lending to the creation of 25 new high-wage jobs, the Road Fund project will foster the location of Aircraft Engine Services Inc (AES). The new operation, initially resulting in a $4.79 million total capital investment in the local economy, will serve as a distribution center for the company's revolutionary Piston aircraft engines.

"In selecting the Space Coast Regional Airport, AES has embraced the strengths of our state's pro-business climate, highly skilled workforce, and becomes a vital member of Florida's robust aviation/aerospace industry sector," said Governor Jeb Bush. "I am pleased that through use of 'Road Fund', we are able to partner with the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority to ensure Aircraft Engine Services has the necessary infrastructure to locate its new distribution center in the Space Coast region - the job creation and economic development that grows from this project will be a positive addition to the region's and the state's economy."

The choice made by AES to locate in Titusville, Florida rather than Duluth, Minnesota followed a highly competitive, two-year campaign managed by the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast. The company will sell high-end aircraft products to manufacturers and clients. Operations will include sales, marketing, product support systems, as well as flight-testing, repair and certification activities.

"We were looking for a site with a port and ideal weather conditions for flight-testing," said Luc de Gaspe Beaubien, Director of Operations for AES. "The Airport Authority staff were very professional and highly experienced, providing the help we needed throughout every step of our selection process. Another important advantage offered by the Space Coast is ideal weather conditions for flight-testing. The Governor's Office, the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast, Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority and the entire Space Coast region were there for us every step of the way."

The Governor's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development worked with Enterprise Florida, Inc., the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast, the City of Grant, the City of Titusville, the Space Coast Regional Airport, and Brevard County to land this project and award the Road Fund grant to Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority.

"This agreement is significant in enhancing the airport's and the Space Coast's overall image for economic development," Scott C. Carr, Deputy Executive Director of the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority, said. "We welcome AES to our airport and our community and anticipate the exciting goals they have for this location."

"The choice by AES to locate its new division in Brevard County is a significant victory for our community and enhances Brevard's standing as a business-friendly location for the aviation industry," said Lynda L. Weatherman, President and CEO, Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast. "It is also another example of the important role incentives play in relocating companies to our community providing high-paying, quality jobs for our residents."

The Economic Development Transportation Fund is one of Florida's oldest incentive programs and is administered by the Governor's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development. The grant program provides local governments with funding for transportation-related projects needed to induce companies to locate, remain or expand within a Florida community.

With roots in aviation dating back many decades, AES is the market support entity and product support organization for the V220 and V300T line of piston aircraft engines. AES performs integration engineering, flight test, product support and marketing activities in North America for the piston engines being developed and manufactured by BRP-Rotax GmbH and Co KG.

FMI: www.flairport.com, www.vaircraftengine.com