My Recruiting Blog

A new round of funding for airport projects could help create Pennsylvania construction jobs.

The State of Pennsylvania recently announced that 24 airports will receive a $6.6 million investment in federal and state funds to help improve airport safety and services. Under the theory that every $1 billion of investment equals 30,000 jobs, more than 190 jobs could be created through this project.

"This is one more way in which my administration, working with the federal government, is helping to revive our economy," Governor Edward G. Rendell said in a press release. "These projects translate into jobs for Pennsylvanians at a time when jobs are rapidly disappearing. At the same time, this work means increased safety and efficiency at airports."

The projects will help ensure that safety is maintained at the state's non-commercial, general aviation airports and will help airports meet federal regulations for operation.

The state is investing $170,664 from PennDOT's aviation development program, which comes from the state's jet fuel tax and leverages more than $170,000 in local matching funds. The Federal Aviation Administration is investing about $6.5 million through the block grant program, which is funded through airline tickets, freight waybills, international departure fees and sale of aviation fuel.

Under Pennsylvania's 12-year transportation program, airports can receive up to 95 percent of eligible project costs. Public-use airports are eligible for the aviation development program. Pennsylvania has 134 public-use airports and heliports and 15 airports that have scheduled commercial service.

Airports eligible for the block grant include: general aviation airports, designated reliever airports and non-primary commercial airline airports that are part of the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems.

Labels: Pennsylvania construction jobs