The state recently awarded 29 airports in 24 counties $13.7 million in grant funding, which will be used for infrastructure and equipment upgrades.
The grants are through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Aviation Transportation Assistance Program, the Aviation Development Program, that is funded by the state’s jet fuel tax, and the Multimodal Fund, that finances the development and improvement of transportation assets.
Grants ranged from $7,500 to $2.8 million.
The largest grant was awarded to Lehigh Valley International Airport in Lehigh County for the continued development of general aviation hangars.
“Right now, hangar space between New York and Philadelphia is in great demand, and with this funding, Lehigh Valley International will be able to meet that need while continuing to provide a positive economic impact in the region,” State Rep. Jeanne McNeill (D-Lehigh) said. “This is an investment in a major asset which boosts area businesses and creates jobs, and that’s a win-win.”
Other awards include $150,000 to the Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport in Monroe County for designing a fuel-farm replacement and $168,750 to the Erie International Airport/Tom Ridge Field to maintain airport facilities.
Pennsylvania ranks 13th nationwide for the number of public-use aviation facilities as of April with 127 airports, heliports, and seaplane bases.