Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3 million grant to the Allegheny County Airport Authority, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for construction of a warehouse, taxiway extensions, and utility upgrades at Pittsburgh International Airport.
This project will support expansion of import and export operations at the airport, creating new opportunities for jobs and economic development in the region. The EDA investment will be matched with $7.5 million in state and local funds and is expected to help create 1,265 jobs, retain 106 jobs and generate $23.4 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
“President Biden is committed to supporting communities across the country as they improve their regional economies,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will help expand airport access to global air carriers, creating new jobs and increasing trade in the region.”
“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in helping communities implement plans to provide the resources that businesses need to be successful,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will provide critical infrastructure upgrades that businesses in the region need to prosper and create new jobs.”
“Quality airport infrastructure is essential to the economic success of our commonwealth and our nation,” said Governor Tom Wolf. “This $3 million investment connects Pennsylvanians with jobs, and Pennsylvania with the world.”
“Pennsylvania’s airports provide critical connections for the Commonwealth, the rest of the country and internationally,” said Senator Bob Casey. “This funding will not only improve Pittsburgh International Airport’s ability to handle any cargo aircraft flying today, but will generate over $23 million in economic investments in the region and create more than 1,200 new jobs. Allegheny County Airport Authority is positioning Pittsburgh as a gateway for international logistics, which I am proud to have supported.”
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.