Shapiro Administration Invests over $1.6 million to Improve Lehigh Valley International Airport

August 8th, 2023 | Airport News

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that $1.6 million in state funds will be invested AT Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) in Lehigh County.

The investment is part of $10 million in state funding that will be awarded to public use airports for facility improvements, infrastructure preservation and development. Pennsylvania’s robust aviation industry helps bolster economies across the Commonwealth, and supporting safe, reliable infrastructure is a key priority for the Shapiro administration.

This announcement comes on the heels of Governor Josh Shapiro unveiling a new, expanded terminal and TSA checkpoint at the Lehigh Valley International Airport. The Commonwealth invested $13 million to support the construction of the new 40,000 square foot terminal and to be part of the foundation that the Lehigh Valley is building to make their region a major hub of transportation for Pennsylvanians. 

“Our airports are gateways to local economies in the Commonwealth, providing Pennsylvania communities with thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic benefit each year,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Governor Shapiro knows that investing in infrastructure leads directly to jobs and economic progress. This state support will improve our airports, make our infrastructure more resilient and stimulate regional business.”

The Lehigh Valley International Airport will receive $1,637,500 in state funds to continue the construction of a northside parallel taxiway. The taxiway will provide access to the expanding cargo development on the northern side of the airport.

“ABE continues to process record breaking air cargo volumes and serves as a critical conduit for the movement of goods in the Northeast corridor. This funding is a part of the long term plan for operational growth and will also help enhance the current infrastructure at the airport for cargo, commercial and general aviation operations,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority.

Ten projects statewide will be funded by the state Capital Budget through the Aviation Transportation Assistance Program, which is supported by bonds.

For more information on aviation in Pennsylvania visit www.penndot.pa.gov.