Article Summary –
Three Pennsylvania airports received significant federal funding from President Joe Biden’s 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, with $27.5 million allocated to Philadelphia International Airport, $6 million to Pittsburgh International Airport, and over $3 million to Harrisburg International Airport for upgrades and modernization. The funding, part of a broader effort to improve infrastructure, was supported by Democratic lawmakers, despite opposition from most Republican lawmakers, highlighting the ongoing political divide over federal infrastructure spending. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has already contributed billions towards Pennsylvania’s infrastructure, addressing the state’s aging facilities, while the federal Essential Air Service program continues to support smaller airports despite legislative challenges.
Three Pennsylvania airports have secured fresh federal funding under President Joe Biden’s 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Democratic lawmakers revealed on Oct. 22.
The Airport Terminal Program, a key component of this law, is disbursing $27.5 million to Philadelphia International Airport, $6 million to Pittsburgh International Airport, and over $3 million to Harrisburg International Airport.
The investments aim to enhance terminals and upgrade electrical systems at the Philadelphia airport, replace flooring, restore columns, and install new moving walkways in Pittsburgh, and renovate escalators and bathrooms at the Harrisburg facility. These updates were announced by U.S. Sens. Bob Casey and John Fetterman, alongside U.S. Reps. Mary Gay Scanlon, Dwight Evans, Brendan Boyle, Chris Deluzio, Summer Lee, and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker.
Lawmakers emphasized the importance of this funding for Pennsylvania’s economy. “Investments like this ensure Philadelphia retains its status as a world-class city with top-notch infrastructure,” said Fetterman. “With $27.5 million allocated for terminal energy upgrades, our largest airport remains efficient and future-ready, keeping Philly competitive.”
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has already provided billions to Pennsylvania for road and bridge repairs, waterway improvements, lead pipe replacements, and expanding rural internet access.
Pennsylvania’s airports have long needed financial support to tackle aging infrastructure and insufficient hangar space, as highlighted in a 2022 report by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The report rated the state’s aviation infrastructure as “B-“. Future airport funding must consider climate change’s impact on infrastructure.
Aviation’s economic impact was $34.1 billion in 2019, according to a study by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The report noted 120 public-use airports directly employed 133,473 people and generated nearly $7 billion in annual payroll.
Democratic lawmakers vow to seek further funding, despite the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act receiving limited Republican support. Most Democratic lawmakers from Pennsylvania supported the legislation, while nearly all Republican lawmakers from the state opposed it. U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick was the only Republican supporter.
Republicans have aimed to cut federal funding for smaller airports. U.S. Rep. Scott Perry proposed H.R. 3822 in June 2023, advocating for the elimination of the Essential Air Service program, which supports continued air service at smaller airports. Pennsylvania has five airports eligible for EAS funding.
Perry’s bill stalled in subcommittee, but Congress passed an FAA Reauthorization Act in May, which increased EAS program funding. Perry was among 26 House members voting against it, the sole dissenting vote from Pennsylvania.
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