Governor Edward G. Rendell

today announced more than $3 million in funding to improve nine airports in

Pennsylvania and provide a more efficient and safer service for customers.

    "Airports are a critical part of our transportation system that cannot

be ignored. This $3 million investment is vital to keep these airports

running smoothly and safely," Governor Rendell said. "These airports not

only provide thousands of jobs and generate millions of dollars for local

and state economies, they also offer a very efficient transportation system

to residents and visitors."

    The grants, which are awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of

Transportation, will help general aviation airports in Allegheny, Butler,

Cumberland, Dauphin, Lackawanna, Lycoming, McKean and Washington counties

pay for projects such as the rehabilitation of airport pavement and the

construction and improvement of utility infrastructure. The money will also

help airports remove obstructions that may pose safety hazards.

    For more information, visit PennDOT's Web site at

http://www.dot.state.pa.us.

    The Rendell Administration is committed to creating a first-rate public

education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing

economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out

more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly

newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us.

    EDITOR'S NOTE: Below is a list of airports, the amount of funding they

will receive and a brief description of the projects.

     Allegheny County

     --  Allegheny County Airport, Pittsburgh, $183,750 for airfield pavement

         improvements.

     --  Rock Airport of Pittsburgh, Tarentum, $1,500,000 for runway

         construction and the associated taxiway turnaround and apron.

     Butler County

     --  Butler County Airport, Butler, $112,500 to modernize and upgrade its

         existing fuel facility.

     Cumberland County

     --  Carlisle Airport, Carlisle, $225,000 for runway pavement overlay and

         to remove obstructions.

     Dauphin County

     --  Harrisburg International Airport, Harrisburg, $750,000 to clear site

         at Crawford Station for future development.

     Lackawanna County

     --  Seamans Airport, Factoryville, $64,688 to install and rehabilitate

         runway lighting and visual approach navigational aids.

     Lycoming County

     --  Williamsport Regional Airport, Williamsport, $285,000 to install

         utilities/infrastructure for an airside business park and equipment

         shelter.

     McKean County

     --  Bradford Regional Airport, Bradford, $15,000 to install gas utility.

     Washington County

     --  Finleyville Airpark, Finleyville, $67,125 for hangar site preparation

         and obstruction removal.