Jimmy Stewart Airport Nets $877.5k in Federal/State Grants

Funding earmarked for $900,000 runway improvements phase I design

The Indiana County-Jimmy Stewart Airport expansion project is set to receive significant federal and state funding, according to state Senator Don White and state Representative Dave Reed.

The airport is listed to receive $877,500 in funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Bureau of Aviation 2006 Block Grant Program, according to Senator White and Representative Reed. The funding is earmarked for the implementation of Phase I, design of the airport's runway expansion project.

"I want to thank Congressmen John Murtha and Bill Shuster for their work in securing the federal share of money. This funding is a tribute to the dedication and efforts of the County Commissioners as well as directors and staff of the airport," said Senator White. "Pennsylvania recognizes that smaller, regional airports are becoming increasingly more important and that the Commonwealth should play a role in assisting their development. These facilities are essential for economic growth since they play a critical role in the community as bases for business aviation. By enhancing Jimmy Stewart Airport, we give local leaders another marketing tool to draw in new businesses and jobs."

"This grant is another essential step along the path of expanding the runway and services that the Indiana County Jimmy Stewart Airport is able to provide the citizens and businesses in the area," said Representative Reed. "In our current global economy, these expansions are vital to Indiana County's evolving and growing economic development efforts. I commend the Indiana County Airport Authority, PennDOT's Bureau of Aviation and all parties involved in making this grant request a reality."

In 2001, The Indiana County-Jimmy Stewart Airport received grants totaling $736,250 for improvements that set the stage for the potential runway extension at the facility. The projects covered by those grants included the acquisition of 2.5 acres to relocate Geesey Road; the removal of obstructions at Runway 10/28; the rehabilitation of an apron area; and, an environmental inventory. Earlier the same year, the airport received a $60,000 state Capital Budget grant to help pay for hangar renovations and mowing equipment