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State Reps. Maureen Madden and Jeanne McNeill announced that efforts by the PA House Democratic Caucus’ Northeast Delegation helped secure $1.7 million for ongoing infrastructure upgrades at Lehigh Valley International Airport. The funding was included in the 2022-23 state budget, which passed earlier this summer.
“Supporting critical transportation infrastructure needs was a no-brainer for our Northeast Delegation,” said Madden, D-Monroe. “As Chair of the Delegation, I know all of our members agreed that Lehigh Valley International services individuals and families from across the northeast corner of our Commonwealth. Enhancing airport operational efficiency and safety for passengers and employees just flat-out makes sense. I’m excited for LVI’s upgrades and its ability to adapt and meet the needs of our growing region.”
“Lehigh Valley International Airport is an important transportation hub not just for our region, but for the Pennsylvania economy, bringing tourists and business travelers to the Commonwealth,” said McNeill, D-Lehigh, Vice Chair of the Delegation. “These funds will not only provide necessary improvements to keep the airport safe but will also expand the TSA checkpoint area to make getting in and out of the airport much more efficient. I’d like to thank all of my Northeast Delegation colleagues who supported the advocacy on this project.”
During the budget negotiation process this June, the Northeast Delegation sent a letter to House Appropriations Committee Chairman Matt Bradford, D-Montgomery, and House Minority Whip Jordan Harris, D-Phila., on behalf of the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority to advocate for the funds for these projects.
The funds will be used for a new Passenger Boarding Bridge for Gate 3 after the original PBB was decommissioned for being beyond its useful life. The new PBB will enhance the operational efficiency for passengers and employees and improve TSA compliance.
“Passenger traffic numbers at Lehigh Valley International Airport have returned to and even surpassed pre-pandemic levels,” said Executive Director Thomas R. Stoudt of the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority. “This resurgence placed heightened emphasis on expediting the need for an additional boarding bridge. This infrastructure improvement will enhance our level of service to the region and provide growth potential for airlines.
“We are thankful for the strong support of state Representative Maureen Madden and the entire Northeast Delegation as they recognize the critical role ABE has within the Commonwealth’s transportation network,” said Stoudt.
According to the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority, this year LVIA reported its highest passenger traffic for the month of May since 2004, for the month of June since 2001 and its highest passenger traffic for the month of July ever.
The airport is located in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, which is part of McNeill’s legislative district.
Information provided to TVL by:
Thomas LeClair
House Democratic Communications Office
