HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – A major federal investment is headed to Hernando County to upgrade the infrastructure at the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport. U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) announced today that the local aviation hub has been awarded a $13.6 million federal grant.
The multimillion-dollar funding package is earmarked for critical infrastructure enhancements designed to bolster daily airport operations, improve regional transportation connectivity, and stimulate local economic development by making the area more competitive for business expansion and job creation.
According to congressional records, this new award builds upon an existing $87.6 million in federal grants that Bilirakis has previously sponsored and secured for Florida’s 12th Congressional District through the annual federal appropriations process.
“I am proud to have supported Hernando County’s application for this important project and to help deliver federal resources that will make a lasting impact on our community,” Bilirakis said in a statement. “The Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport plays a vital role in our region’s economy, and this investment will help ensure it has the infrastructure needed to grow, compete, and create new opportunities for businesses and families throughout the Tampa Bay area.”
The facility functions as a primary economic engine for Hernando County and its surrounding borders, anchoring local aviation services, commercial transit, and regional workforce development initiatives. Local officials anticipate that modernizing the airport’s core infrastructure will better position the site to handle future traffic volume and draw industrial investments.
“Investments like this demonstrate the importance of strong federal-local partnerships,” Bilirakis added. “I will continue working to ensure communities across Florida’s 12th District have access to the resources needed to strengthen infrastructure, expand economic opportunities, and build a stronger future.”
No specific timeline for the commencement of the construction or infrastructure projects has been released yet by county aviation officials.
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