Erie, Pa.    -  Continuing his effort to strengthen and expand the Erie International Airport, U.S. Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.) tapped the top Republican of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation, U.S. Rep. Tom Petri (R-Wis.), to travel to Erie and get a first-hand look at the runway extension project.

Today, the House lawmakers participated in a riding tour of the airfield and met with airport officials and community stakeholders to discuss the progress of the project as well as community efforts to improve air access and service to northwestern Pennsylvania.

“We in Erie know all too well that our local airport is not only a vital gateway to attracting and retaining good paying jobs, but also for building a stronger economy in our region,” English said.  “I am delighted to have Congressman Petri join us today and see first-hand the progress and commitment the Erie community has made to ensuring that our airport continues to grow and meet the aviation demands of the 21st century.”

As the Ranking Republican on the Aviation Subcommittee, Petri has primary oversight authority over the Federal Aviation Authority, including airport funding and infrastructure needs.

“I was impressed with everything I saw today here in Erie, and the commitment of the community to this expansion project is evident.  We know that airports are a major engine for economic development and growth, and the project to improve the Erie International Airport will draw more passengers and attract more businesses to this area,” Petri said.  “This effort is a true partnership between the federal, state and local governments.   I commend Rep. English, airport and local officials for their many years of hard work and dedication in seeing this project through.”

Recognizing the critical impact Erie International Airport has on the health of the local economy, English has spearheaded federal efforts to bolster the development of the airport as well as increase access to quality air service in the Erie market. In addition to maintaining the priority designation for the runway project, English secured $7.9 million in federal transportation funding for roadwork on Powell Avenue and Asbury Road related to the runway extension project in 2006.  Most recently, in response to U.S. Airways’ decision to drop Erie flights to Pittsburgh, English launched a local coalition to work to improve existing and expand air service to the Erie area.  –more--

“The Erie Regional Airport Authority Board of Directors is excited about the Runway Improvement Program and all the opportunities the runway extension will provide to the region.  Our economic forecast projects as much as 14 million dollars annually in direct and indirect benefits to the Erie Region.  We believe that this project will provide a positive economic boost to businesses and residents that live and work here,” said Louis Porreco, President of the ERAA.  “Much of this is made possible because of the hard work and commitment of Congressman English.  Congressman English is a partner in all of our capital improvement efforts, and has taken the lead in securing needed federal grant funding for our airport improvements.  We are most grateful for his continued aggressive support.”

The Erie International Airport, Tom Ridge Field offers 13 average daily departures, serving approximately 900 travelers/day with service by Northwest Airlines, Continental Airlines and US Air, connecting Erie to important airline hubs in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia.  The runway extension project, which is a top priority for the airport, will expand the services and destination opportunities of the airport, sustaining the important transportation needs of area business and industry as well as fostering new entrepreneurial business opportunities while helping to grow the local economy.

“It is of great importance that as the airport continues to grow and expand, we do all that we can to build support and increase our number of partnerships, which will ultimately yield large dividends for northwestern Pennsylvania,”  English said.  “This successful visit with Congressman Petri, sends a strong signal to the Erie community that the federal government is indeed committed to ensuring the Erie airport has access to the resources it needs to continue to improve the quality of flight service for northwest Pennsylvania.”

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