State Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-18th, recently announced Lehigh Valley International Airport has been awarded $1,778,500 to continue its terminal connector and security checkpoint expansion project.

“I’m pleased to announce the awarding of these state funds to further assist Lehigh Valley International Airport with the project to provide for a new checkpoint with four lanes that will enhance safety standards and allow LVIA to better serve travelers,” Boscola said. “Lehigh Valley International Airport is an important economic engine for the Lehigh Valley and our commonwealth, and this state investment will allow them to build upon its economic impact.”

The $30 million-plus security checkpoint and terminal connector project will provide Pennsylvania’s fourth largest airport, serving the third largest economy, with a much-needed increase in capacity for TSA checkpoints. This leads to increased safety for passengers, crew and airport staff.

Currently, LVIA only has two checkpoints, which do not meet TSA safety standards.

The funding was announced as part of $10 million in grant funding to 12 Pennsylvania airports to assist with infrastructure and equipment upgrades. Funding for these projects is made through Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s aviation transportation assistance program.

The goal of the funding is to expand aviation-related operational and economic opportunities statewide.

Pennsylvania is currently home to 124 airports, heliports and seaplane bases, which ranks Pennsylvania as 16th in the United States in the number of public-use aviation facilities.