FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance today announced that their board of directors voted to support three Triumph Gulf Coast proposals moving past the pre-application phase.
The first is in support of The Pensacola-Escambia County Promotion & Development Commission (PEDC) request for $8 million in funding which would be used for the construction of a new industrial boulevard for the northern Beck’s Lake Road segment of the “Bluffs”. The Bluffs of Northwest Florida is our 6,000+ acre master-planned industrial campus suited for an energy-intensive industry. Highly accessible, this multi-modal campus is a nexus for the regions high wage manufacturing job creation strategy near the I-10 corridor with road, rail and barge service. Thus far, The PEDC has received $8.4 million from the State of Florida intended for the Bluffs master plan development, site connectivity and infrastructure improvements.
The second is in the support of the University of West Florida’s application for $27.5 million in Triumph Gulf Coast funding to be used to develop programming and facilities to cultivate emerging high-tech industry sectors of cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and robotics tied to a new UWF Innovation Network. The center piece of the Network will consist of a new Cybersecurity Innovation Center and Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory located on the Pensacola Technology Campus. This project is a great partnership amongst the public sector, education, and numerous private sector companies.
The third supports the City of Pensacola’s grant proposal for the Triumph funding which will allow for the building of three additional hangars and support offices that will bring more jobs to Pensacola International Airport. Once completed, this project will not only provide jobs but will also be instrumental in drawing further aerospace industry to the region. The jobs provided by many of these types of companies are typically above the regional and national averages which is a key data point emphasized by the Triumph Gulf Coast Board of Directors. Once completed, the project will also help diversify the economy of Escambia County and Northwest Florida by bringing in new industries.