New airport program looks to provide lift to Pa. economy

As part of a plan to reignite Pennsylvania’s economy, the Shapiro Administration announced the Department of Community and Economic Development’s new Airport Land Development Zones (ALDZ) program. 

The ALDZ program was established to generate new jobs on buildings and land owned by airports across Pennsylvania. It also encourages airports to market and foster development of their underutilized land. 

“Governor Shapiro is committed to spurring economic development in Pennsylvania and this new program is a great example of his administration taking action to make that happen,” Department of Community and Economic Development Acting Secretary Rick Siger said in a statement. 

“Encouraging airports to breathe new life into vacant buildings or develop unused land will create jobs and boost the economy while sending a strong message that Pennsylvania is open for business.” 

The ALDZ program provides tax credits to employers that create and locate jobs at a designated ALDZ. Employers can receive $2,100 per employee working at the ALDZ for a time of 10 years. 

Eligible to apply are airports that are commercial and publicly owned or non-commercial and publicly or privately owned.