ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A planned 1,000-space parking garage at Lehigh Valley International Airport has gotten $1.5 million in state funding, it was announced.
The additional parking spaces align with the airport’s rapid growth and future capacity needs, and adds to efforts to invest in core infrastructure that supports Pennsylvania’s long-term competitiveness, according to a release.
“As a critical multimodal transportation hub, there is an immediate need for additional public parking at Lehigh Valley International Airport. This funding will help build the foundation to construct a new parking structure which expands an important piece of airport infrastructure for serving our growing region."LVIA Public and Government Relations Director Colin Riccobon
“When I ran for office, I promised to bring real investment back to the Lehigh Valley, and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” state Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th District said.
Miller secured the funding along with state Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh, the state Transportation Department and the airport.
“LVIA is one of our region’s most important economic engines," Miller said. "As passenger demand rises, this expansion ensures we stay ahead of the curve and continue driving job growth and business opportunity.”
The money also will expand services, ensure the airport remains a key business and leisure travel hub, and preserve existing facilities, the release said.
‘A powerful way to connect’
LVIA Public and Government Relations Director Colin Riccobon said in the release that, “As a critical multimodal transportation hub, there is an immediate need for additional public parking at Lehigh Valley International Airport.
“This funding will help build the foundation to construct a new parking structure which expands an important piece of airport infrastructure for serving our growing region," Riccobon said.
"We are grateful for the support of legislative leaders and PennDOT for recognizing the importance of this project.”
"Gov. Josh Shapiro is focused on improving infrastructure while also expanding business opportunities. This investment supports jobs while meeting the region’s current and future needs.”PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said Gov. Josh Shapiro is focused on improving infrastructure while also expanding business opportunities.
“This investment supports jobs while meeting the region’s current and future needs,” Carroll said.
The announcement follows another significant milestone this month, as LVIA broke ground on a new Marriott hotel adjacent to the terminal.
That will expand hospitality options and strengthen the airport’s role as a gateway to the Lehigh Valley, officials said.
