Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) was awarded a $9.1 million Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to rehabilitate Runway 6-24, which is PNE's primary runway and accounts for approximately 60 percent of the airport’s traffic. This is the largest FAA AIP grant PNE has ever received.
“The runway and lighting improvements we are making at Northeast Philadelphia Airport are critical, as PNE serves as a reliever airport for PHL and is an important contributor to our region’s economy,” said City of Philadelphia Division of Aviation CEO Chellie Cameron. “The funding we are receiving from the FAA would normally include a requirement of a 10% local share, which would be difficult due to the impact COVID-19 has had on the aviation industry and our finances. We thank the FAA for providing 100 percent funding for this project and allowing us to complete this very necessary work.”
The third phase of Runway 6-24’s reconstruction entails rehabilitating approximately 3,000 feet of pavement at the Runway 6 End and converting the existing incandescent lights for the entire 7,000 feet into new LED lights. After the completion of this phase, the Runway Safety Area (RSA) at the 6 End will meet FAA standards. The completion of this project will also result in upgrading Taxiway connectors E1 and E2 to the latest FAA standards.
Construction will begin in April 2021 and is expected to be complete by October 2021.
The PNE grant is part of $273 million in airport safety and infrastructure grants awarded to 41 states and the District of Columbia, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, Palau, and Puerto Rico.
“This federal investment in our nation’s airports will strengthen safety, improve travel, generate jobs, and benefit local communities,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
In April, the FAA announced approximately $116 million in CARES Act relief funding for PHL and $157,000 for PNE to help respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
