Keystone Heights Airport authority seeks $1 million connector road as developers outline 600‑job plan
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Summary
Airport officials asked the delegation for $1 million to complete an economic corridor road that would open 100 acres for industrial development. Northeast Florida EDC presented a developer prospectus that estimated a $400 million capital investment and 600 jobs in a three‑phase buildout of airport property.
Airport officials and the Northeast Florida Economic Development Corporation told the delegation that a $1 million state appropriation to finish an Economic Development Corridor road would position the Keystone Heights Airport property for light industrial development.
Jim Iford, chairman of the Keystone Heights Airport Authority, described work already paid for with last year’s $774,000 appropriation — design and construction of right‑turn lanes and a new access road — and said the next step is a connector road across about 100 acres cleared and permitted for development. “That project sets up the airport perfectly for the light industrial economic development that we expect,” Iford said.
Amber Shepherd, executive with the Northeast Florida EDC, outlined preliminary private interest and a multi‑phase concept. Shepherd said the first phase would target about 100 acres and that preliminary estimates from a prospective developer included roughly $400 million in capital expenditures and 600 jobs in phase 1. Shepherd said she would seek letters of support from the delegation as the authority brings financing and details together.
County Manager Scott Cornigay and other local officials told legislators that the permitting hurdle the county faced had been removed and emphasized that the $1 million connector is the next step to make the site shovel‑ready. Cornigay said the approved connector would link two airport access roads and open land for development and would complement previously secured state design funds used to add turn lanes on State Road 100.
Why it matters: Delegation officials said airport‑adjacent industrial land could provide a notable number of jobs and expand the county’s economic base. Shepherd described ongoing outreach to potential manufacturers and said the project is intended to attract light industrial and manufacturing uses that can be served by the airport and existing transportation links.
What’s next: Airport and EDC leaders will seek letters of support and continue to coordinate permitting and infrastructure work; the delegation was asked to consider a $1 million appropriation request for construction of the corridor.