The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced a state investment of $10 million for improvements at five public use airports. This funding aims to enhance facility infrastructure, preserve existing structures, and support development projects. The initiative aligns with the Shapiro administration’s focus on maintaining safe and reliable infrastructure while boosting the state’s economy.
The aviation sector in Pennsylvania is significant, employing over 226,000 individuals and contributing nearly $12.5 billion in payroll and employment benefits. It also generates an annual economic impact of $34 billion. Airports not only provide travel options but also facilitate air cargo, freight services, law enforcement operations, emergency medical services, firefighting efforts, and disaster response.
“Pennsylvania’s aviation industry provides good-paying jobs while linking communities to a larger transportation system that moves goods and people around the world,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “These investments are another example of Governor Shapiro’s focus on maintaining our infrastructure while also expanding business opportunities.”
The allocated funds will be distributed among several projects: Quakertown Airport in Bucks County will receive $1.1 million for constructing three new hangars; Doylestown Airport will get $525,000 for hangar rehabilitation, $157,500 for demolishing four structures, and $360,000 to extend public water access to its terminal area. In Jefferson County, DuBois Regional Airport is set to receive $225,000 for ongoing renovations of its administration building.
Lehigh Valley International Airport in Lehigh County will benefit from a $1.5 million investment to build a parking structure aimed at enhancing terminal commercial development. Meanwhile, Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport in Luzerne County will see a significant expansion with $6.2 million allocated for terminal expansion and upgrades to the Transportation Security Administration screening area.
These projects are funded through the state Capital Budget under the Aviation Transportation Assistance Program supported by bonds.
For more information on transportation initiatives by the Shapiro Administration across various modes, visit PennDOT’s website.
Information from this article can be found here.
