After unveiling its security checkpoint expansion last week, Lehigh Valley International Airport has now received more state funding to build a taxiway.
PennDOT announced Wednesday that LVIA will receive $1.6 million to continue the construction of a north-side parallel taxiway. The taxiway will provide access to the expanding cargo development on the north side of the airport.
Cargo has been on the increase at the airport in Hanover Township, Lehigh County. According to its latest numbers, about 22 million pounds of air cargo was processed through LVIA in June — an increase of 25.8% from June 2022.
“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,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said in a statement. “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 investment is part of $10 million in state funding that will be awarded for upgrades to public use airports, including facility improvements, infrastructure preservation and development.
Last Friday, LVIA unveiled its completed Transportation Security Administration checkpoint before a group that consisted of U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Shapiro.
The $35 million project will have four screening lanes, more than doubling the capacity and allowing more than 700 passengers to pass through each hour.
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