Atlantic City Airport to receive $5 million in federal funding to expand apron

“I commend our federal legislators for their tenacity in pursuing federal funds for this worthwhile project,” said Governor Jon. S. Corzine, who has strongly endorsed the apron expansion program at ACY. “This past July, the Atlantic City International Airport tallied its highest passenger count ever. Clearly, these types of infrastructure improvements are needed for the airport to keep pace with the growth it is already experiencing.”

Due to the efforts of U.S. Senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez and Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02), the Federal Aviation Administration has committed to provide $5 million toward an expansion program that will ultimately double the size of the airport apron.

“This funding is vital because ACY is adding new destinations every year and serving more passengers than ever before. I am pleased that we were able to work with Senators Lautenberg and Menendez and Congressman LoBiondo to convince the Federal Aviation Administration to invest in this critical improvement program here in Atlantic City,” said NJDOT Commissioner Kris Kolluri, who also serves as chairman of the South Jersey Transportation Authority, which owns and operates the airport.

Passenger traffic at ACY is expected to reach a record 1.2 million in 2007. ACY accommodated 110,000 passengers in July, the busiest month on record for the airport. During the first six months of 2007 overall traffic at the airport increased 27 percent, from 554,092 passengers through the end of July 2006 compared to 705,537 passengers through the end of July this year.

"More and more people are flying to our state for business and for pleasure. Our airports need to be ready to accommodate that increase in travel," said Senator Lautenberg, a member of Senate Commerce Committee and the aviation subcommittee that oversees funding for airports. "These funds will improve capacity at Atlantic City Airport and pave the way for more passengers. I am proud to have helped deliver these much-needed funds."

“The expansion of the Atlantic City International Airport opens wider another gateway to all our great state has to offer,” said Senator Menendez. “I firmly believe that improving transportation infrastructure is not just about moving goods and people more effectively; it is about improving quality of life and protecting our environment. I commend Governor Corzine and NJDOT Commissioner Kolluri for working with me in efforts to ensure strong, safe and efficient transportation options for air travelers in New Jersey.”

The increase in commercial service is due to an expansion of destinations available through ACY, including Delta Airlines nonstop daily service to Atlanta, launched in mid-June 2006 and Spirit Airlines daily nonstop service to Las Vegas, launched in May 2007.

“With record levels of visitors coming to South Jersey, I am pleased to help secure these critical federal funds for the expansion of the Atlantic City International Airport,” said Congressman Frank LoBiondo, a member of the House Aviation Subcommittee. “I appreciate the continued partnership with Governor Corzine, Commissioner Kolluri and the FAA to improve and strengthen our state’s transportation infrastructure.”

The apron expansion is part of an overall long-term airport improvement program that includes an expansion of gate capacity from seven to fourteen, the installation of “common use technology” that expands counter capacity by allowing airlines to use existing ACY networks and desk space as needed without the expense of establishing and maintaining their own on-site networks and work stations.

Current infrastructure improvements at the airport include the construction of a $24.5 million parking garage and cosmetic upgrades, including new flooring, signage and lighting, in the terminal. In addition the project will bring the aircraft apron up to current standards, as well as improve safety for aircraft movement and support personnel.