Pennsylvania to make $13.8 million investment to upgrade 32 airports

March 23rd, 2010 - 12:57 am ICT by BNO News  

HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA (BNO NEWS) – Thirty-two Pennsylvania airports will benefit from a $13.8 million investment in federal and state funds to make upgrades and enhance safety, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced on Monday.

“Aviation is a $12 billion industry in Pennsylvania, and investments in our airports pay dividends in job creation and economic growth. Each dollar we invest helps the airports stay safe and improves their service and infrastructure. The funding also helps to sustain jobs, including those at the airport and businesses supplying the materials for the improvements,” Governor Rendell said.

The Federal Aviation Administration provided nearly $13 million in grants through the block grant program. Such program is funded with taxes collected nationwide on airline tickets, freight waybills, international departure fees, and sale of aviation fuel. Airports will receive up to 95 percent of eligible project costs for projects included in the 12-year transportation program.

The funds will be used in airport upgrades including snow-removal equipment, rehabilitation projects, equipment for the air-traffic control tower, and repairing Runways and Taxiways. The New Castle Municipal Airport in Lawrence County will receive the highest amount of funding. This airport will receive 1.7 million for rehabilitating Runway 5-23 and improving the runaway safety area.

There are nearly 290,000 people employed in the aviation industry statewide, representing approximately 5 percent of the workforce. The state has 133 public-use airports and heliports and 14 airports have scheduled commercial service.

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