April 2023

Maintenance and repair of aircraft in the aviation hangar of the airport, view of a wide panoramaPearl River Community College (PRCC) recently broke ground on the Hancock Aviation Aerospace Workforce Academy, adjacent to Stennis International Airport and the Hancock High School Career & Technical Center. 

The 36,000-square-foot training center will include a 18,000-square-foot hangar to provide skilled workforce development for the aviation and aerospace industries.

“After years of effort and support across multiple administrations, local, state, and federal partners, we are excited to see construction begin at Stennis International Airport on Pearl River Community College’s Workforce Academy. This institution and training programs will serve our existing and future industries creating opportunities for our regional workforce,” said Blaine LaFontaine, CEO of the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission.

The academy is funded by the Mississippi Legislature, RESTORE Act grant money, an EDA Disaster Supplemental grant, Gulf Coast Restoration money, and a Coast Electric Power Association grant. The $2,475,000 hangar is also partially funded by a Coast Electric Power Association grant.

The construction of the $9,421,500 academy, which began Feb. 1, is projected to be completed in June 2024 with classes starting August 2024. 

Category: News & Notes

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