Pennsylvania officials, including Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis and PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll, introduced a new Aviation Economic Impact Calculator during an event at New Garden Flying Field in Chester County. This tool, developed by PennDOT, enables the state’s 120 public-use airports to evaluate the economic effects of their operations and updates. The initiative is part of a broader strategy, backed by both state funds and the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), aimed at boosting airport infrastructure and economic growth across the Commonwealth.
The New Garden Flying Field recently completed a terminal expansion with a budget of nearly $1 million, funded through BIL and state allocations. This expansion added a new public lounge, improved accessibility, and increased employment at the facility. Pennsylvania’s aviation sector, vital for transportation and economic development, contributes significantly to the local economy with over 226,000 jobs and a $34 billion annual economic impact.
PennDOT also announced an upcoming training webinar to educate airport representatives on using the new calculator. Additionally, Pennsylvania airports are set to receive over $70 million annually from the BIL through 2026, with matching funds provided by the state.
