Burns: $1.7 million in state grants awarded to modernize airport, improve pedestrian safety

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – A total of $1.74 million in state funds to provide needed airport upgrades and also provide pedestrian safety improvements and repairs in Portage Borough, Cambria County, were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today.

Burns, D-Cambria, said the two projects funded by the CFA funds will accomplish the following:

  • $1.45 million in funds to provide interior and exterior improvements to three hangars at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport, including asbestos abatement, HVAC modernization and replacement of hangar doors and metal roofs and gutters. The funds will also be used to remove and repave pavement. Once renovations are completed, the hangars will be used as an operations center for a charter business, a charter aircraft maintenance facility and a primary hangar. In addition, a building adjacent to the hangar will be renovated for use as office space, a business center and a conference room.
  • $298,165 to Portage Borough for the third phase of a streetscape program along Main Street to provide enhanced pedestrian safety repairs in the borough’s central business district, including new curbs, sidewalks, ADA-compliant ramps, decorative brick buffer strips and street lighting.

“I remain committed to bringing money back to our area for projects like these to improve safety, enhance overall quality of life, and to also encourage strong, sustainable business development,” Burns said. “Investments like this in our region make it clear we are capable of landing grants if we continue to apply.”

The CFA provides funding for a multitude of projects that help businesses succeed, including those focused on development, water quality, energy infrastructure and more. To learn more, please visit this website.