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Peterson, Sherwood announce major federal award for Williamsport Airport
Funds to be used for runway expansion, snow removal equipment, taxiway lighting, other infrastructure |
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Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John E. Peterson, R-Pleasantville, joined Congressman Don Sherwood, R-Tunkhannock, this afternoon in announcing the disbursement of a major federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to the Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority in Lycoming County. The award, issued in the amount of $645,000, will help the airport purchase important new ground equipment and acquire land that will be used to expand its runway approach area.
"This grant is great news for the airport, and I believe represents an important, and very wise, investment in central Pennsylvania by the federal government," said Peterson. "The Williamsport Airport is not only an important transportation link serving our local communities in the area, it's also a vital component of, and factor in, our region's economic growth. I was pleased to lend my support to this grant, and look forward to continuing to help advance the important work being done by [Airport Director] Tom Hart and others."
"The improvements at the Williamsport Regional Airport help us better serve passengers and air cargo carriers," Sherwood said. "Having this efficient aviation facility in Lycoming County is good for travelers and good for our regional economy. This federal grant helps to fund the continuing effort to improve and expand aviation services in the region, which is an asset in our economic development efforts."
The grant will be split among several important and pending projects to enhance safe, all-weather operations at the airport, including the acquisition of friction testing equipment that will be used to determine the braking action on the runway during poor weather conditions. The money will also enable the airport to purchase new snow removal equipment, medium-intensity runway lighting, and an acre of adjacent land that will be converted into an object free area connected to the south side of Runway 27.
"The grant award allows us to continue improving the airfield infrastructure as well as increasing our operational capabilities," said Tom Hart, who has served as the airport's executive director since 1987. "The Airport Authority is committed to creating a viable, full-service commercial airport for the northcentral Pennsylvania region. This grant will be of great help in that regard."
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