WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) announced $33,291,947 in federal funding for regional airports, including $2,116,000 in Chester and Berks counties.

The money comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and much of it is set aside for investment in new infrastructure at the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), which will receive $30,721,947. Local airports will also benefit.

• The Chester County Airport will get $763,000;
• New Garden Airport, $295,000;
• Brandywine Regional Airport, $295,000;
• Reading Regional Airport, $763,000;
• Heritage Field Airport, $295,000; and
• Pottstown Municipal Airport, $159,000.

“More and more families and businesses are choosing southeastern Pennsylvania to put down roots, and our airports are key to that sustained growth,” said Houlahan. “If we want to continue attracting the best workforce and businesses in the country and around the world, we must make desperately needed renovations to our infrastructure—that includes our airports. They are the linchpin that connects us to domestic and international markets. Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we will see those airport upgrades take place in the coming years.”

In total, Pennsylvania has been allocated more than $70 million for 62 airport-related projects. These funds can be invested to improve travel experience, meaning shorter security lines and faster baggage handling, and decrease processing times for cargo shipments, speeding up the supply chain. For the full list of Pennsylvania airports receiving funding, click here.

“We are very grateful for this funding, which will help ensure PHL continues to be a regional economic engine," said PHL CEO Chellie Cameron. "In 2019, the airport generated $515 million and 3,900 jobs for Chester County alone. Any money that we receive from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will afford us the ability to invest strategically in our facility over the next five years, which will help to grow the regional economy and create new jobs for our entire service area.”

"On behalf of the Chester County Airport Authority, we are pleased to learn our airport will be receiving funding from the infrastructure bill,” said Gary L. Hudson, Chester County Airport Manager. “We believe the Airport is a true treasure for our County and are thrilled to have the opportunity to use the funds to ensure its continued safety for the flying public and economic benefit for our county residents!"  

"New Garden Airport owned and operated by New Garden Township is situated in the heart of Southern Chester County,” said Jonathan Martin, Aviation Director of New Garden Airport. “New Garden sees close to 30,000 operations per year with a based aircraft count of 130 planes.  We have an active flight school, glider club and EAA Chapter based at the airport.  New Garden is home to the Future Aviators Program where we attract hundreds of youngsters from all over the United States for two weeks in the summer, exposing them to all aspects of aviation while promoting individual leadership and development.”

Martin continued: “Over the last 12 years, working with the FAA and State, we have grown the airport from a privately owned/public use airport to a municipal airport that is a pillar of the community, supporting dozens of jobs and promoting economic activity across Southeastern PA. We are thrilled to be a recipient of these funds as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.  We look forward to utilizing and investing these dollars over the next five years to continue the growth of New Garden Airport, while focusing on our core values of camaraderie, community, education and the future of the 21st Century Aviator.”

“This funding will provide the Brandywine Regional Airport, as part of the National Transportation Infrastructure, the opportunity to improve its infrastructure with the addition of much needed hangars and ramp space,” said John Kassab, Manager of the Brandywine Regional Airport. “These improvements will provide shelter for medical helicopter services, improve safety, employ additional staff, and continue to be an economic generator for the region.”

“The Reading Regional Airport is proud to connect Berks County to the National Airspace System,” said Zack Tempesco, Reading Regional Airport Director. “Aviation serves as a bridge for community investment, development and business. These funds will help provide valuable airport improvements and maintaining a top-notch facility.”

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Small Business Committee. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward.”

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