U. S. Transportation Secretary LaHood announces $7.1 million grant for Pittsburgh International Airport

U. S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced a $7.1 million grant for the next phase of the Runway 14-32 rehabilitation project at Pittsburgh International Airport.

“This project will help keep the airport moving safely and efficiently for the more than four million passengers that fly through Pittsburgh each year,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. “Investing in our nation’s airports also creates jobs and promotes economic growth in communities like Pittsburgh.”

The grant will help pay for rehabilitation of Runway 14-32, an 8,101-foot crosswind runway at the airport. When strong winds are blowing across the other major runways at the airport, Runway 14-32 allows aircraft to safely take off and land into the wind.

“Upgrading airport infrastructure at airports like Pittsburgh International maintains a safe air transportation system,” Acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said.

Phase 6 of the Runway 14-32 rehabilitation will replace the concrete slab at the intersection of Runway14-32 and Runway 10C-28C, the primary center runway, between June and October 2012. Runways 10L-28R and 10R-28L will remain open during the construction.

According to the Alleghany County Airport Authority, the runway rehabilitation project is expected to create approximately 200 direct and indirect jobs over the seven-year life of the project. The full runway rehabilitation project began in 2008 and is scheduled to be complete by 2014. The project is being done in phases to coincide with the construction season and funding availability.

The total project cost is estimated to be $42.2 million with funding from the Airport Improvement Program, Passenger Facility Charges, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Pennsylvania Aviation Development Funds, and the Allegheny County Airport Authority.