Pittsburgh International Airport to receive $20 million in upgrade funding
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The Biden administration announced $1 billion in funding for 85 airports, including Pittsburgh International Airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced Pittsburgh International is getting $20 million dollars in infrastructure funding. The money will be used to help build the new landside terminal. The 700,000-square-foot terminal broke ground in October.
The senior vice president of Government Affairs at the Allegheny County Airport Authority released a statement about the news.
"We appreciate the administration's commitment to improving transportation and are pleased that our terminal modernization program was one of the airports selected for federal infrastructure funding. This would not have been possible without the support of our federal officials, and we thank them for their continued partnership."
Airport officials said this funding will help finish the $1.4 billion project. The new landside terminal will sit adjacent to the existing airside terminal.
The FAA said the funding will help build an improved passenger security screening checkpoint and checked baggage inspection system, baggage handling equipment, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection area and public spaces for passengers.
"I'm all for convenience. So, whatever there is for convenience is fine with me," Lisa Nites of Shaler said Thursday.
Airport officials said other things that travelers will notice are new parking lots and a garage that will sit much closer to the new terminal, essentially cutting travel time in half, outdoor spaces, and more. It's all with the goal of modernizing the airport, improving the passenger experience and boosting the economy in the region.
"I'm one that has little kids so I'm always traveling with them. So, anything that makes it more convenient to travel and get to and from is awesome," Kayla Creamer of Washington County said Thursday.
Airport officials hope to get more specifics on what the infrastructure funding will go towards in a few months. They stress the rest of the funding for the project is coming from rates and charges, not from taxpayers.
The new landside terminal is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2025.