The Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority unanimously voted to accept $20 million Tuesday for the next phase of runway renovations at Lehigh Valley International Airport.
The three grants from the FAA will allow the authority to redesign its main runway, which runs parallel to Route 22, by moving drainage to the runway’s outskirts. The change will bring the airport into compliance with modern aviation standards. In addition, the grants will improve lighting and strengthen on the pavement.
The next phase of the project is expected to be completed next year. The entire renovation of the main runway is expected to cost $90 million and be completed by 2023.
“Receiving strong financial assistance from the FAA remains an important resource for the airport authority to complete critical infrastructure projects across our entire aviation system, and this significant investment helps us maintain a flight path to future success,” authority Executive Director Tom Stoudt said.
The authority started the renovation project earlier this year. Construction crews already worked on the intersection of the airport’s two runways, which required the airport to shut down for 52 hours in May. The authority does not anticipate any further closures during the renovation process. If construction needs to take place during regular operating hours, takeoffs and landings would be directed to the second runway.
The project is coming after years of deferred maintenance at the airport due to austerity cuts. The authority lost a protracted legal fight when its long-term plan from the 1990s condemned property in Allen Township. The authority reduced staffing, held off on repairs and sold property in order to pay off $26 million in damages.
The authority also accepted a fourth grant, for $403,565, to mitigate obstructions on the approach at the Queen City Airport runway.
Morning Call reporter Tom Shortell can be reached at 610-820-6168 or [email protected].
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