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Thompson Announces $700,000 in Funding for University Park Airport

August 18, 2011

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded $700,000 through two grants, to the University Park Airport in State College. The FAA grants will assist the University Park Airport to enhance runway safety improvements and terminal operations upgrades.

“These grants help meet the transportation needs and safety requirements of our regional airport authorities,” said Thompson. “Through this federal support, the University Park Airport will meet safety requirements and continue offering quality aviation services for Centre County and the surrounding communities.”

The Federal Aviation Administration awarded the funding in the form of two grants:

Grant I: $250,000 will provide funding for the rehabilitation of Runway 6/24 and other improvements to maintain the structural integrity of the runway’s pavement.

Grant II: $450,000 will provide funding for improvements to the terminal building including replacement of the luggage carousel.

University Airport Director, Bryan Rodgers, offered the following response upon hearing of the news. “We are appreciative of Congressman Thompson’s support of University Park Airport. The grant funding will be used to improve the runway pavement and improve the passenger baggage handling system at the airline terminal.”

Over the last several years, Thompson has worked to help advance efforts for the newly established Air Traffic Control Tower and most recently advocated for timely disbursement of federal dollars for staffing the tower.

Representative Thompson remains committed to working with airport officials, FAA officials and local stakeholders to ensure the long-term viability of University Park Airport and continued improvement of its air transportation operations.

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