WASHINGTON, DC –Congressman Bill Shuster (R-Hollidaysburg)  announced on Monday that the Altoona-Blair County Airport has been awarded a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant in the amount of $489,600. The grant will allow the airport to acquire additional land to maintain a clear-zone along the runway.

“I am very pleased that the Altoona-Blair County Airport will be receiving FAA grant funding that will allow it to continue to grow and improve service,” said Congressman Shuster. “Rural Airports like Altoona-Blair play an important role in our local economy by providing good paying jobs to the community and immediate access for our businesses to access other parts of the country.”

The Altoona-Blair County Airport provides general aviation and commercial air service to the residents of Blair County and the surrounding region. It features multiple runways on 320 acres of land. The clear-zone, which is part of the Runway Protection Zone Project, is a critical component in the effort to provide a safe and dependable facility for general aviation and commercial air service. Clear-zones include land that extends immediately beyond the end of a runway in the event that an aircraft over-shoots the runway. This additional space increases safety for those in the aircraft and those on the ground.

“The Authority and the Blair County Commissioners appreciate the continued support of Congressman Shuster especially in his efforts to assist the Authority in securing funding to maintain the viability of the airport’s operations,” said Airport Authority Chairman Tom Hite.  “We also would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the property owners, legal advisors, and consultants because without them this project would not have been possible.”

###