University Park Airport Just Received $5.45M in Federal Funds. Here’s How It Will Be Used

The local airport recently received $5.45 million in federal funding to "rehabilitate" the taxiway, meaning future improvements will allow larger aircraft to more easily taxi to and from the runway and aircraft parking positions. Construction is expected to start next spring, with completion anticipated for late fall 2024, according to airport director Bryan Rodgers.

The improvements are part of a multi-phase project that began in 2021 and focused on needed upgrades around the University Park Airport. Since that time, the local airport has received more than $20 million in federal funding.

The latest funding was announced in a joint release Thursday by U.S. Sens. Bob Casey and John Fetterman. Dubois Regional Airport also received $96,000.

"Central Pennsylvania's airports connect the region to the rest of the world," Casey said in a written statement. "Improving taxiways will make these two airports safer and more efficient. A safe, effective airport means a better experience for travelers and greater investment in Central Pennsylvania's economy."

Added Fetterman: "I'm very proud that this federal funding is going toward the Dubois and State College Regional Airports."

The funds come from the U.S. Department of Transportation, specifically as grants from the Airport Improvement Program. The roots for the taxiway rehabilitation project can be traced back to around 2018, when Penn State's board of trustees hired an architect since Taxiway A had exceeded its 20-year service life. The project was expected to cost more than $35 million and be phased over multiple years due to funding availability.

Rodgers, the airport director, thanked the Federal Aviation Administration and Pennsylvania's two senators for their latest round of support.

"The airport is a vital transportation facility for the region and this latest grant is crucial to the overall funding of the project," he added.

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