Terminal expansion project at airport gets $1.2 million in federal grants

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport will receive more than $1.2 million in federal funding to support an ongoing terminal expansion project, U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-8, of Dallas Twp. announced Friday.

Airport officials announced in June a 10,000-square-foot terminal expansion would allow for more space for passenger screening and would create an exit lane for off-boarding flyers to limit encounters between in-bound and out-bound passengers near stairs and escalators.

The grants announced Friday include $980,000 through the Supplemental Congressional Directed Spending program and $233,926 through the Airport Infrastructure Grant program, Bresnahan said in a news release.

“These federal investments will help ensure Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport continues to meet the needs of our growing region,” Bresnahan said. “Improving this vital transportation hub means better service for travelers, stronger support for local businesses, and growing opportunities for Northeastern Pennsylvania.”

The federal grant follows $6.2 million in state funding announced in June through the Aviation Transportation Assistance Program.

“We appreciate the congressional support of our Terminal Expansion Project, a needed upgrade that will expand the terminal footprint — improving the passenger experience with new amenities to serve our customers,” said Carl R. Beardsley, the airport’s executive director.