Scranton, PA (June 4, 2019) – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) announced a federal grant of more than $2.5 million for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP), which will ensure the safety of travelers who come to Northeastern Pennsylvania and increase efficiency at our region’s only mid-sized airport.
“This is how we revitalize our economy: by repairing our roads, bridges, and airports, and by investing in our country’s infrastructure,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “These federal dollars will improve safety for residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania and visitors alike, and they will help improve reliability at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. I’m all in for infrastructure projects like this. They keep our economic engines humming as they renew our communities and create jobs.”
This new infrastructure investment will be vital not only to the long-term sustainability of the airport, but also to the regional economy in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
“The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is always looking for ways to improve airport safety and efficiency,” said Carl Beardsley, Executive Director of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. “We are excited to secure a grant that does both. We are thankful that Congressman Cartwright helped to secure this grant that will help rehabilitate our taxiway system.”
The federal grant, which totals $2,550,174, will be used to improve a runway at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport and to enhance its lighting. It will also be used to fix one of the airport’s access roads. The funds are part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s Airport Improvement Program.