Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) received a $1 million Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Multimodal Transportation Fund grant for phase two of the airport’s Baggage Tug Tunnel project. This is the second DCED grant PHL has received for the project. Earlier this year, the airport was awarded a $500,000 grant for the first phase of the project.
An award announcement was made at the Commonwealth Financing Authority's board meeting on November 19. Support for the project has been expressed by Representative Regina Young and Senator Nikil Saval.
“Thank you to Representative Young and Senator Saval for recognizing the importance of investing in the airport’s infrastructure and working to secure two grants for PHL’s tug tunnel project,” said PHL CEO Chellie Cameron. “This project includes making key safety enhancements and modernizing a system that was constructed in the 1970s. When finished, PHL’s upgraded tug tunnell will better serve our employees and passengers.”
PHL’s underground transportation network connects airline tug carts to baggage claim basements and conveyors. The five-phase project include:
- Structural improvements
- New guide rail installation
- Signage and wayfinding improvements
- Drainage system upgrades
- Ventilation system upgrades
- LED lighting and electrical upgrades
- Fire protection system repairs
