City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation Receives Almost $2 Million From Commonwealth Financing Agency for Northeast Philadelphia Airport

The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation received almost $2 million in funding from Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Financing Agency (CFA) to support two projects at Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE). The Department received $1 million to rehabilitate PNE’s administration building and $945,000 for security perimeter enhancements.

“PNE is the fourth busiest airport in Pennsylvania, a reliever airport for Philadelphia International Airport and an important contributor to our region’s economy. The airport’s facilities must be able to support PNE’s role in the commonwealth’s aviation community,” said City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation CEO Atif Saeed. “Thank you to our representatives for recognizing PNE’s importance and supporting our projects with this critical funding.”

“As Transportation Committee Chair, part of my duty involves making sure our airports run efficiently and are safe,” said Representative Ed Neilson (D-Philadelphia), chair of the House Transportation Committee. “Northeast Philadelphia Airport is the fourth busiest airport in the commonwealth and this funding will make sure that it is brought up to standards of modern aviation facilities.”

PNE’s administration facility was built in 1976. The modernization project includes upgrading the building’s HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and security systems and office space. The Department of Aviation intends to take this opportunity to further its commitment to environmental sustainability and introduce energy efficiency goals into the project through geothermal heating, ventilation, and air conditioning design components. The project, which is anticipated to cost is $3,515,220, is currently in the design phase and expected to be completed in 2024.

PNE’s security perimeter enhancements project will replace 25-year-old perimeter fencing along Academy Road, repair two storm water culverts near the fence line, and install additional security infrastructure to wildlife and human access to the airfield. The new black vinyl coated fence will include snow fencing attached to the first four feet to catch blowing snow that has typically caused winter closures to the adjacent Academy Road. Construction on the $1,100,000 project is underway. It is expected to be completed in summer 2023.