Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Announces $3 Million Investment In 16 Airports

June 1, 2009 -- HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced the investment of nearly $3 million for 16 airports to improve safety and facility maintenance.

“Airports are important assets that can attract new business and create jobs,” Governor Rendell said. “We are making the smart investments necessary to increase economic vitality and facilitate the more than $12 billion in state revenue the aviation industry yields each year. By investing in our aviation assets we can help sustain our communities and retain jobs across Pennsylvania.”

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Funding for the grants comes from the state’s jet fuel tax and is administered by PennDOT’s Bureau of Aviation. The grants leverage $904,800 in local matching funds.

Since 2003, Pennsylvania has invested more than $87 million in state funds to help improve airports around the state. There are nearly 290,000 people employed in the aviation field statewide, representing approximately 5 percent of the workforce.

Public-use airports in the state are eligible for the aviation development program. The state has 134 public-use airports and heliports and 15 airports have scheduled commercial service.

Source: Pennsylvania Governor