PennDOT invests nearly $10M to improve PA airports; $6.2M for WB/Scranton
Jun. 3—WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation on Tuesday announced a $10 million state investment in projects at five public use airports — including $6.2 million for upgrades at the Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport.
The funding for seven airports in four counties will be used for facility improvements, infrastructure preservation and development — supporting safe, reliable infrastructure, while growing the Commonwealth's economy.
Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport received the largest single allocation in this round of funding.
Sen. Marty Flynn, D-Scranton, said the state funding at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton will go toward expanding the terminal and modernizing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening area.
Carl Beardsley, executive director at the airport, said the total project cost estimate is $18.3 million. He said in addition to the $6.2 million announced Tuesday, the airport has received other funding from IIJA-AIG, AIP, Supplemental AIP, PFC.
"The primary goals of the project are to improve the passenger's experience and well-being at the airport," Beardsley said. "These goals will be accomplished by expanding the terminal space approximately 10,000 square feet and incorporating the latest screening technology, increasing queuing space for security screening, providing space for social distancing, improving air quality and other public health measures."
Additionally, Beardsley said implementing a separate exit lane for off-boarding passengers will reduce the conflict that currently exists with inbound and outbound passengers crossing each other near the stairs/escalators.
"These improvements will help minimize the spread of pathogens," Beardsley said. "The secondary goal of this project is to minimize impacts to passengers and airport operations while constructing these improvements."
Beardsley said a strategic phasing plan will be developed that focuses on the safe movement of passengers within the terminal and clearly identifies staging areas on the airfield side.
He said all work associated with this project is AIP eligible and will not permanently impact existing aircraft movement areas.
Sen. Flynn said the investment is part of a larger initiative by the Shapiro Administration to improve airport infrastructure across the Commonwealth.
"This funding marks a long-term investment in the future of Northeastern Pennsylvania," said Sen. Flynn. "As demand for air travel and commerce in our region continues to rise, it's essential that our infrastructure keeps pace. These upgrades will ensure our airport remains a modern, accessible, and secure gateway for residents, businesses and visitors alike."
Sen. Flynn said the project will be financed through the state Capital Budget via the Aviation Transportation Assistance Program, which is supported by bonds. Once completed, the upgrades will improve passenger flow, enhance security operations, and support continued growth at one of northeastern Pennsylvania's busiest airports.
According to PennDOT, Pennsylvania's robust aviation industry employs more than 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 business opportunities."
—Other airports receiving funding:
Bucks County
Quakertown Airport — $1.1 million to construct three new hangars.
Doylestown Airport — $525,000 for the continued rehabilitation of hangars.
Doylestown Airport — $157,500 to demolish four structures on airport property.
Doylestown Airport — $360,000 to extend public water access to the terminal area of the airport.
Jefferson County
DuBois Regional Airport — $225,000 for the continued renovations of their administration building.
Lehigh County
Lehigh Valley International Airport — $1.5 million to construct a parking structure to enhance terminal commercial development.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
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