McNeill: $1 million RACP grant awarded for LVIA upgrades

WHITEHALL, Nov. 1 – State Rep. Jeanne McNeill today announced state funding totaling $1 million has been awarded to the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority for ongoing infrastructure upgrades at Lehigh Valley International Airport.

“The airport is a huge economic engine for the greater Lehigh Valley as it brings tourists and business travelers alike to the region,” said McNeill, D-Lehigh. “I am pleased to see this funding approved which will be utilized to make the airport safer for passengers and motorists. My delegation colleagues and I know how important LVIA is to both our region and to Pennsylvania and I am proud to support this project.”

According to McNeill, who is vice-chairwoman of the Northeast Delegation, the grant will be used by the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority for pavement removal, parking booth demolition, construction of new signalized intersection and access roadways, installation of new stormwater infrastructure to satisfy the latest DEP requirements and the installation of new wayfinding and traffic control signage with high mast LED lighting to ensure nighttime safety and visibility.

Earlier this year, the members of the Northeast Delegation sent a letter to House Democratic Appropriations Committee Chairman Matt Bradford, D-Montgomery, and House Minority Whip Jordan Harris, D-Phila., on behalf of the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority advocating for the funds for these infrastructure projects.

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.

RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity.

Information provided to TVL by:
Thomas LeClair
House Democratic Communications Office