LNAA Approves Grants from the Federal Aviation Administration

August 17th, 2017 | Airport News

Nearly $2.8 million designated for the Airport Improvement Program  

Hanover Township, PA – The Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority (LNAA) Board of Governors approved nearly $2.8 million in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Thursday, with all funds stemming from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) entitlement fund.

“Financial assistance from the FAA remains an asset to the Airport Authority which allows for continued progress on critical projects and deferred maintenance, while helping to construct safe and efficient airport facilities,” said Ryan Meyer, Director of Planning & Programming, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority.

Most notable of these projects is a $1.4 million AIP Grant for the rehabilitation design of Lehigh Valley International Airport’s (LVIA) primary Runway 6/24. Major elements of this design process include: additional 25 feet of paved shoulders to each side of the 7,600 foot runway; a build-up of the pavement section; relocate runway edge lights; remove and relocate in-pavement drainage inlets; and regrade and remove the “W” pavement section. The entire rehabilitation is expected to span four years and cost roughly $40 million.

The Board of Governors also approved a $1.1 million FAA grant to purchase (2) Snow Removal Vehicles (Front Mounted Broom and Mid-Mount Compact Multi-Tasking Plow and Broom) which replaces (2) 1990 OshKosh Sweepster Brooms.

“Having reliable equipment is crucial to overcoming Mother Nature during winter weather events and maintaining flight operations for passengers,” said Meyer.

Queen City Airport (XLL) located in Allentown also benefits from these FAA grants with $147,330 received to update the Airport Master Plan, which outlines the terminal area forecast, facility requirements and development of alternatives for the configuration of the terminal area.

“With the previous ALP completed in 2010, it’s important for us to take a fresh look at the Airport and identify potential future project locations,” said Meyer.

Additionally, Queen City received $79,830 to conduct an environmental assessment for obstruction removal / analysis which is required for the approaches of Runway 7 and 15.