More than 1,800 jobs coming to Melbourne

PALM BAY, Fla., Jan. 10, 2017 — High-paying jobs are coming to Orlando-Melbourne International Airport, thanks in part to the St. Johns River Water Management District’s issuance of an Environmental Resource Permit.

“Our regulatory staff and general counsel worked closely with the applicants to provide effective solutions that benefit our water resources,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “We ensured Northrup Grumman would be able to expand its Center of Excellence at the Orlando-Melbourne International Airport as quickly as possible while ensuring appropriate environmental protection.”

District staff have approved a permit application that will allow for Northrup-Grumman to improve its stormwater system as part of an expansion at Melbourne Airport. The expansion will bring 1,800 jobs paying an average of $100,000 a year as the company designs a new long-range strike bomber.

“It’s the largest Department of Defense contract in history as it relates bombers,” said Cliff Graham, representing Melbourne Airport. “The district was really incredible. They couldn’t have been more accommodating.”

Construction for the expansion has already begun. The first building is projected to be complete this spring.