Jul. 27—Pittsburgh International Airport's bid to become more of a cargo hub has received a boost from the federal government.
The airport has received a $3.2 million federal grant to extend Taxiway A to provide access to a new cargo building that is expected to open in 2024.
"Cargo continues to be a key initiative for Pittsburgh International Airport and we look forward to expanding our cargo facilities to meet the growing demand. PIT is an ideal international gateway, offering an uncongested, speedy alternative to major air hubs," said Vince Gastgeb, senior vice president, corporate and government relations for the Allegheny County Airport Authority.
"I'd like to thank our federal partners for recognizing the importance of a global logistical hub and supporting this strategic project."
The grant, funded through the Federal Aviation Administration's airport improvement program and announced by U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D- Pa., will cover 75% of the $4.3 million cost of the taxiway's extension.
Work on the project is expected to start within the next two months. It will not affect airport operations, according to the authority, which oversees Pittsburgh International.
The new cargo building, funded with the help of an $18.69 million federal grant, will total nearly 80,000 square feet.
It will include warehouse and office space as well as 17 loading docks capable of handling any jet flying today. It also will be able to segregate cargo and accommodate goods that are temperature controlled or sensitive.
Site preparation work for the cargo building has already started.
It is one of two new cargo facilities under development at the airport. The other is being built by Aeroterm Inc. on 8.77 acres of land that once was part of the old Greater Pittsburgh International Airport terminal in Moon, circa 1952.
The Aerotrem structure will total about 140,000 square feet, making it the largest cargo facility in the airport's history. It is expected to be completed in the second quarter of next year.
Both new buildings will submit four existing cargo facilities and two others that have been converted for that use because of growing demand.
Mark Belko: [email protected].
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