GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — Piedmont Triad International Airport, the topic of much recent discussion about expansion plans, received word Thursday that it will receive more than $5 million from the recently passed federal infrastructure bill.
U.S. Rep. Kathy Manning (D-Greensboro) announced in an email that $5,117,453 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Airport Improvement Program would be coming to PTI.
The airport also was the recent benefactor of $106.75 million in a Job Development Investment Grant passed by the NC General Assembly for “a high-yield project for an airplane manufacturer in Guilford County.”
The project, dubbed “Project Thunderbird,” likely would mean $500 million in investment and about 1,700 new jobs, which the legislature’s bill said would earn an average of $60,000 a year.
Boom Supersonic of Denver, the company developing a supersonic commercial jet, has been reported as the company with eyes on PTI.
State Sen. Michael Garrett (D-Greensboro), who has been involved in the development of the incentives, won’t confirm that report but has told WGHP that he thinks the chances the deal is completed is “about 70% chance—closer to 80%—that it’s going our way.”
The Guilford County Board of Commissioners will have a public hearing at its meeting tonight to consider more incentives for the deal, which Garrett and others have said is not yet a “done deal.”
The airport is developing about 1,000 acres north and west of I-73 that would be available for new investment. A taxiway already has been constructed across the interstate to connect the property with runways.
“The airport has a number of major on-going construction programs, and greatly appreciates this funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” PTI Executive Director Kevin Baker said in the release announcing the program.
The Airport Improvement Program provides grants to public agencies for the planning and development of public-use airports that are included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems, the release said. The infrastructure bill signed last month by President Joe Biden includes $25 billion over the next five years for such projects.
North Carolina’s airports collectively received more than $87 million. Charlotte/Douglas got more than $43 million and Raleigh-Durham International about $14.7 million. PTI was third on the list.
“I’m proud to announce that the bipartisan infrastructure law, that passed Congress with my support, includes more than $5.1 million in federal funding for the Piedmont Triad International Airport,” Manning said in the release. “This funding will help enhance travelers’ experience and continue to attract businesses to our region by connecting the Triad to the rest of the country.
“With recent economic announcements in the Triad, it’s more important than ever that we invest in critical infrastructure to prepare for the next generation of business development and job creation.”
Source: Fox 8 News Channel
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