Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced last week a nearly $10 million state investment in projects at 10 public use airports for facility improvements, infrastructure preservation, and development. Supporting safe, reliable infrastructure while growing the Commonwealth’s economy is a key priority for the Shapiro administration.

Pennsylvania’s robust aviation industry employs over 226,000 people, provides nearly $12.5 billion in payroll and employment benefits, and has a $34 billion annual economic impact. In addition to providing travel options, airports also facilitate services such as air cargo and freight, police and law enforcement, emergency medical services, firefighting, and disaster and emergency 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 regional business opportunities.”

The funds will support the following projects:

• Allegheny County:
• Allegheny County Airport – $750,000 of state funds to repair and upgrade existing hangars.

• Bedford County:
• Bedford County Airport – $100,000 of state funds to repair an existing hangar floor.

• Berks County: Reading Regional/Carl A. Spaatz Field Airport – $1.5 million of state funds to construct a hangar and office building for the fixed based operator at the airport.
• Bucks County: Quakertown County Airport – $225,000 of state funds to repave and reseal the aprons and taxilanes. Doylestown Airport – $225,000 of state funds to repave and reseal aprons around T-hangars. 

• Cambria County:
• John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport – $1.1 million of state funds for the site preparation for a new hangar at the airport.

• Lancaster County:
• Lancaster Airport – $2 million of state funds to design and prepare the site for the construction of a new corporate hangar.

• Northampton County:
• Braden Airpark – $975,000 of state funds to replace approach runway lighting and edge lighting.

• Schuylkill County:
• Schuylkill County/Joe Zerby Airport – $700,000 of state funds to repair and upgrade the terminal building along with adding an office for a flight school.

• Westmoreland County:
• Arnold Palmer Regional Airport – $2.4 million in state funds to expand the terminal and upgrade the Transportation Security Administration screening area.

The projects will be funded by the state Capital Budget through the Aviation Transportation Assistance Program, which is supported by bonds.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that over $1.5 million in state funds will be invested in airports in Bucks County and nearly $4 million in state funds will be invested in the Pittsburgh International, Allegheny County and Washington County Airports. Also, more than $1.6 million in state funds will be invested in Lehigh Valley International Airport in Lehigh County and over $187,000 in state funds are to be invested in the St. Mary’s Municipal Airport.

These investments are part of $10 million in state funding that will be awarded to public use airports for facility improvements, infrastructure preservation and development. Pennsylvania’s robust aviation industry helps bolster economies across the Commonwealth, and supporting safe, reliable infrastructure is a key priority for the Shapiro administration.

“Our airports are gateways to local economies in the Commonwealth, providing Pennsylvania communities with thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic benefit each year,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Governor Shapiro knows that investing in infrastructure leads directly to jobs and economic progress. This state support will improve our airports, make our infrastructure more resilient and stimulate regional business.”

The funds will support the following projects at Bucks County airports:

Doylestown Airport — $1,250,000 of state funds to construct a new fuel farm. Two (2) new 12,000-gallon tanks will be installed, one for JetA and one for AvGas. A self-serve AvGas pump will also be included in the project. An additional $150,000 of state funds will be used to repave and reseal aircraft parking areas and taxiways.

Quakertown Airport — $150,000 of state funds to repave and reseal the runway, aprons and, taxilanes. 

“I want to thank Governor Shapiro for making this infrastructure investment in our local economy,” said Senator Steve Santarsiero.

“The Doylestown Airport is a crucial driver in our local economy and every dollar spent on this critical infrastructure leads to more than twice the value to our local economy, to more jobs and to more opportunity for our residents,” said Representative Tim Brennan. “Bucks County is very appreciative of the Shapiro administration recognizing the importance of these projects and for the Commonwealth’s continued investment in the region.”

Allegheny County:

Allegheny County Airport – $600,000 of state funds for repairs and upgrades to existing hangars. These repairs include roof repair and replacement of an exterior wall.  An additional $375,000 in state funding will go to repairs and improvements to the airport’s drainage system.

Pittsburgh International Airport – $1,875,000 in state funding will go to the initial phase of a watershed restoration project to improve the water quality in two on-airport streams and maintain environmental compliance.

 Washington County:

Washington County Airport – $1,125,000 in state funds to continue construction of the southside taxiway. This development will provide enhanced airside and landside access to continue to add corporate hangars and aviation businesses.

“The Allegheny County Airport is a great asset to the Mon Valley and surrounding municipalities. This investment of just under $1 million to repair and upgrade the hangers along with the improvements to the drainage system are timely,” said Senator Jim Brewster. “These projects will allow the airport to maintain its first-rate operations for years to come.”

“This funding to continue construction at the Washington County Airport will play a tremendous role in attracting businesses to Southwestern PA and enhancing the local economy,” Senator Camera Bartolotta said. “I look forward to all the good this project will bring to the 46th District.”

Ten projects statewide will be funded by the state Capital Budget through the Aviation Transportation Assistance Program, which is supported by bonds.

“Allegheny County Airport is a unique asset to the communities I represent and I’m happy to see additional funding from Harrisburg being put to work right here in West Mifflin,” said Representative Nick Pisciottano. “The County Airport is a major economic driver for our local businesses and will continue to be a crucial component of our region’s economic strength moving forward.”

The Lehigh Valley International Airport will receive $1,637,500 in state funds to continue the construction of a northside parallel taxiway. The taxiway will provide access to the expanding cargo development on the northern side of the airport.

The St. Mary’s Municipal Airport will receive $187,500 in state funds for a rehabilitation and upgrade to the terminal building.

Arora Engineers, LLC (Arora), has announced the return of Nick Ryan, PMP as their Chief Development Officer.

Ryan brings over two decades of extensive project and program management for civil, electrical, multidisciplinary, and systems improvements for airport facilities of all sizes, and through all stages of the program life cycle. He has served as an Aviation Practice and Market leader for nearly two decades, the majority of that time at Arora in his previous role.

In his new role, Ryan will be based in their corporate office in Chadds Ford, PA and will be responsible for development efforts supporting the growth of Arora’s global business. He will champion internal and external initiatives focused on inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility and leadership development.

Ryan will contribute to Arora’s emerging and existing business and draw upon his decades of leadership to ensure clients are understood from the outset, thoughtfully moved to action, and satisfied with the end products. He will simultaneously foster collaboration to mobilize and inspire internal staff to advance strategic initiatives in alignment with the company’s core values and strengthen partnerships.

Ryan will work alongside Adam Oliver, Chief Marketing Officer, and regional and practice leads to develop new business, expand association engagement, and mentor other disadvantaged businesses as a key member of the Arora Executive Leadership Team.

“It is so exciting to have Nick Ryan back home and serving in a key leadership role. Nick made a tremendous impact on Arora’s operations and morale during his previous 12+ year term and we are looking forward to his leadership to support our rapid growth and continual delivery of quality projects for our customers” said Manik Arora, PE, President & CEO of Arora.

Ryan remarked “I am thankful and energized to continue to build upon the great work of the Arora Team over the last few years. I see a great opportunity for me to bring expertise centered around client satisfaction and diversification through leadership, innovation, resources, and culture to maintain the upward growth trajectory of the company. I am most excited to return to one of the largest minority-owned infrastructure services firms in North America and to support their commitment to exploring and providing partnering opportunities for current diverse minority, women, and LGBTQ owned firms. It just feels right, and I am ready to get to work.”

Ryan is very active in industry associations serving on the executive board for the Airports Consultants Council, Illuminating Engineering Society Aviation Lighting Committee, and the Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he currently chairs and participates in several committees within the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) and Delaware Aviation Advisory Committee.

McFarland Johnson (MJ), a 100% employee-owned planning, engineering, technology, environmental, and construction services firm, has welcomed Jason Shevrin, PE as Director of InfraSolutions by McFarland Johnson.

With 20 years of operations, management, and special systems engineering for airports of all size, Mr. Shevrin will lead MJ’s new Philadelphia office and staff that will provide Airside and Landside Design, MEP/S, and Special Systems services, while serving in a leadership role in the development of the firm’s organizational growth strategy. Jason will also serve as Division Director leading the growth of MJ’s recently formed technology division InfraSolutions, which offers a wide variety of new innovative technology solutions and infrastructure management tools including cloud-based planning and programming solutions.

Jason most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of Arora Engineers where he was responsible for the daily operations, strategic growth and growth strategy, management, business development, client service and project execution of the planning, design, and construction of their PM/CM business.

We are confident that Jason’s strong management and leadership skills, along with his technology-based background and drive to continuously look out for clients’ best interests is a perfect match for MJ’s employee-owned people-centric culture, dedication to clients, and commitment to innovation. Please join us in welcoming Jason to the MJ family!

Governor Tom Wolf announced $10 million in state investments to support 12 projects at 10 airports through the Aviation Transportation Assistance Program.

“Aviation plays a vital role in keeping our state’s economy moving,” Gov. Wolf said. “These investments will help Pennsylvania’s airports operate safely, expand to meet current demands, and sustain growth well into the future.”

Pennsylvania has 121 public-use aviation facilities including airports, heliports, and seaplane bases, and these new investments will expand aviation-related operational and economic opportunities statewide.

Following is a by-county list of approved aviation projects:

• Allegheny County: Pittsburgh International Airport – $2.4 million for continued Commercial Air Cargo facility development. Development includes aircraft and vehicular access and parking, environmental remediation, and continued site preparation.
• Berks County: Reading Regional/Carl A. Spaatz Field – $3 million for Air Operations Hangar Complex Infrastructure to accommodate the growth of an existing airport tenant.
• Bucks County: Doylestown Airport – $150,000 for the second phase of repaving and resealing aircraft parking areas and taxiways and $100,000 for the second phase of rehabilitation to hangars on the Northwest area of the airport.
• Cumberland County: Carlisle Airport – $524,000 for design and construction of a terminal building to aid in continued economic development.
• Jefferson County: DuBois Regional Airport — $215,000 to rehabilitate T-hangar taxiways and apron pavement and $200,000 to rehabilitate administration building and upgrade the existing utilities.
• Lancaster: Lancaster Airport – $750,000 to complete corporate hangar infrastructure to accommodate the growth of an existing airport tenant and provide space for a new operation relocating to Lancaster.
• Lehigh County: Lehigh Valley International Airport – $1.76 million to continue terminal connector and security checkpoint expansion and to enhance terminal commercial development connectivity.
• Philadelphia County: Philadelphia International Airport – $500,000 for the rehabilitation of baggage tug tunnels to provide a safer, timely, and streamlined baggage operations at PHL.
• Snyder County: Penn Valley Airport – $250,000 for rehabilitation of T-hangar doors, roofs, and walls which will extend the life of the existing structure.
• York County: Capital City Airport – $150,000 for rehabilitation of airfield hangars roofs and structural reinforcement to repair rusted sheeting.

For more information on aviation in Pennsylvania, visit the PennDOT website.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will hold a virtual public information meeting on its proposal to modify the airspace over Harrisburg International Airport in Pennsylvania. Under the proposed changes, existing flight paths would not change but the area where pilots are required to interact with FAA air traffic controllers would expand. The airspace change is to better manage the complexity and volume of aviation activities in the area.

The meeting, which the FAA will conduct via Zoom and livestream on social media, will take place on Wednesday, August 18, from 6-8 p.m. Eastern Time. FAA representatives will provide an overview of??the Harrisburg airspace and the proposed changes. After the FAA presentation the public will have the opportunity to make presentations/comments and participate in a live Question and Answer session.

To attend the Zoom meeting, you can register or watch on FAA’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, which do not require registration. Each meeting attendee using the Zoom platform will have the opportunity to make a presentation, but preregistration is required. Each presentation will be limited to three minutes. Attendees watching the meeting on FAA’s social media channels can submit questions via the chat feature on the individual platform but will not have the ability to make presentations.