(Photo credit: Office of U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. Renderings provided to the office courtesy of the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority)

$12 million in community project funding returned to the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos

Allentown, PA — Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, visited Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) today to announce $2 million in federal funding to support facility improvements at ABE. The funding was secured by Congressman Mackenzie through a recently passed appropriations package. This investment will support the installation of escalators and elevators for ABE’s project to construct a new parking deck and pedestrian walkway. Also, through the bipartisan Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations package, the Federal Aviation Administration received $22.2 billion to support operations, equipment, research, and airport grants nationwide.

“As ABE continues to grow and empower our community, we’re working to prepare for the travel and infrastructure needs of tomorrow,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “By bringing this money back to our community, we’re ensuring that ABE can continue offering superior service and unparalleled convenience to passengers in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos. As a State Representative, I had the chance to work together with my colleagues to support past improvements to ABE. Now, as a member of Congress, I’m proud to be continuing that work and supporting efforts to make this airport an even greater asset to our community.”

“This federal funding demonstrates Congressman Mackenzie’s continued strong support of aviation and his understanding of infrastructure needs at ABE. Coming off the highest passenger traffic on record, we’re focused on projects that ensure the Airport can meet the increased travel demand within our region. The elevated pedestrian walkway will improve accessibility for customers, especially those with disabilities or families traveling with young children,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority.

Through the FY 2026 appropriations process, Congressman Mackenzie has been able to bring $12 million back to the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos to support local projects. Earlier this month, the Congressman announced that he had also secured $47 million in programmatic funding to support the continued manufacturing of Mack Defense heavy dump trucks.

“These projects strengthen public safety, support our first responders, improve roads and bridges, and expand opportunities for families across the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “From equipping law enforcement and firefighters to modernizing infrastructure and supporting economic growth, this funding delivers real results for our communities and ensures federal dollars are working for the people I represent. I’ll keep working to bring resources back to the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos.”

Information provided to TVL by:
Arnaud Armstrong