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.
