The Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport Authority (PMMAA) broke ground on April 17, 2009 on its runway expansion project that will extend its primary runway from 3,950 feet to 5,001 feet. This project is critical to the development and long-term viability of the Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport because most corporate jet insurers and the United States military require a runway length of 5,000 feet for landing.
“The project will enhance access to the airport for local organizations such as Tobyhanna Army Deport, Sanofi Pasteur and the race teams visiting Pocono International Raceway for the two NASCAR races held each year, “ PMMAAChairman, George Strunk stated. “The longer runway will also make the Pocono area a more attractive prospective business site for businesses considering new locations.”
Chuck Leonard, PMEDC Executive Director commented, “This airport is an ammenity for our business parks and will continue to help us market our community to new and expanding businesses. We are pleased to be able to assist the airport authority in securing part of the funding needed for the project.”
The runway expansion project is being funded by a rather unique collaboration between state and county governments. The first 500 feet of the expansion is being funded by PennDOT/PA Bureau of Aviation. The second 500 feet is being funded from the Local Share Account for Monroe County which comes from gaming revenues received as a host county of Mount Airy Casino Resort. The Monroe County Board of Commissioners and PMEDC chose the project as an important infrastructure and economic development initiative for the Pocono community.
The total project cost approaches $4 million. Phase I was planning, engineering and design which was completed earlier this year, currently underway is Phase II which is excavation and earthwork. Paving and lighting will be Phase III. The entire project is expected to be complete in the third quarter of 2010.