Shapiro Administration Invests Nearly $10 Million to Improve 10 Pennsylvania Airports

Harrisburg, PA  The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced a nearly $10 million state investment in projects at 10 public use airports for facility improvements, infrastructure preservation, and development. Supporting safe, reliable infrastructure while growing the Commonwealth’s economy is a key priority for the Shapiro administration.

Pennsylvania’s robust aviation industry employs over 226,000 people, provides nearly $12.5 billion in payroll and employment benefits, and has a $34 billion annual economic impact. In addition to providing travel options, airports also facilitate services such as air cargo and freight, police and law enforcement, emergency medical services, firefighting, and disaster and emergency response.

“Pennsylvania’s aviation industry provides good-paying jobs while linking communities to a larger transportation system that moves goods and people around the world,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “These investments are another example of Governor Shapiro’s focus on maintaining our infrastructure while also expanding regional business opportunities.”

The funds will support the following projects:

Allegheny County:

  • Allegheny County Airport – $750,000 of state funds to repair and upgrade existing hangars.

Bedford County:

  • Bedford County Airport – $100,000 of state funds to repair an existing hangar floor.

Berks County:

  • Reading Regional/Carl A. Spaatz Field Airport – $1.5 million of state funds to construct a hangar and office building for the fixed based operator at the airport.

Bucks County:

  • Quakertown County Airport – $225,000 of state funds to repave and reseal the aprons and taxilanes.
  • Doylestown Airport – $225,000 of state funds to repave and reseal aprons around T-hangars.

Cambria County:

  • John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport – $1.1 million of state funds for the site preparation for a new hangar at the airport.

Lancaster County:

  • Lancaster Airport – $2 million of state funds to design and prepare the site for the construction of a new corporate hangar.

Northampton County:

  • Braden Airpark – $975,000 of state funds to replace approach runway lighting and edge lighting.

Schuylkill County:

  • Schuylkill County/Joe Zerby Airport – $700,000 of state funds to repair and upgrade the terminal building along with adding an office for a flight school.

Westmoreland County:

  • Arnold Palmer Regional Airport – $2.4 million in state funds to expand the terminal and upgrade the Transportation Security Administration screening area.

The projects will be funded by the state Capital Budget through the Aviation Transportation Assistance Program, which is supported by bonds.

Stable Gas Prices Mark Start of Summer Driving Season

As the “unofficial beginning of the summer driving season” begins, gas prices are mostly stable across the country. Today’s national average is $3.58, which is a penny cheaper than a week ago, seven cents cheaper than a month ago, and a penny higher than a year ago.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration, gas demand rose from 8.87 million to 9.31. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks decreased slightly from 227.8 to 226.8 million barrels, while gasoline production increased, averaging about 10 million daily barrels. AAA will monitor gasoline demand in the coming weeks, as increased road trips could drive up prices at the pump.

Motorists can find current gas prices nationwide, statewide, and countywide at gasprices.aaa.com.

Rep. Josh Kail Introduces Legislation to Uncap Business NOL Deductions in PA

Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) offers hope to Pennsylvania through the introduction of commonsense legislation that would uncap businesses. Net Operating Loss (NOL) carries forward deductions by 2025. This dynamic tax strategy will empower small businesses and make Pennsylvania more attractive to, and competitive, with new businesses.

Currently, Pennsylvania caps a business’s NOL carryforward deduction at 40% of taxable income. Pennsylvania is one of the only two states that cap NOL deductions below the federal limit (80% of taxable income). For start-ups, which likely experience losses in their first few years, this cap is a penalty. The same goes for manufacturers in the commodity markets who often have major fluctuations in profits and losses.

I-79 Northbound Ramp to Route 51/Coraopolis/McKees Rocks Closed Overnight May 31 – June 1

PennDOT District 11 is announcing the overnight closure of the ramp carrying northbound I-79 traffic to Route 51/Coraopolis/McKees Rocks (Exit 64) in Robinson Township, Allegheny County will occur Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1 weather permitting

The ramp carrying traffic from northbound I-79 to Route 51/Coraopolis/McKees Rocks (Exit 64) will close to traffic from 7 p.m. Friday night, May 31 continuously through 5 p.m. Saturday, June 1 to allow the crew to conduct paving operations. Ramp traffic will be detoured. Please use caution when traveling through the work zone.

Timothy Blackburn (September 2, 1960 – May 26, 2024)

Timothy Blackburn Sr., 63, of West Mayfield passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
He is survived by his wife, Jeannie (Estel) Blackburn and their four children, Heather Lynn Blackburn (Tyrone Climo), Markelle Herman (Jason Herman), Hannah Blackburn and Timothy Blackburn; two brothers David Blackburn (Nancy) and Mark Blackburn (Tammy). Tim was loved deeply by his seven grandchildren, Paige, Raelynn, McKinley Wyatt, Joseph, Austyn Lyn and Leroy.

He was preceded in death by his father Cecil Blackburn and his mother Martha Jane Ceratti, brothers, Craig Blackburn and Cecil Blackburn.

Tim loved his Steelers and Pirates and would cheer them on in his loud booming voice every chance he could.
Tim worked for 23 years in the dietary dept. at Heritage Valley, Beaver and was a cook for Lances Port and Pub in Darlington.

A memorial service will be held June 22nd at 11:00 am at Chippewa Alliance Church, 3629 37th Street Ext., Beaver Falls.
Memorial contributions may be made, if desired, to the Beaver County Cancer and Heart Association, 3582 Brodhead Road, # 201, Monaca, PA 15061
HILL AND KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME, www.hillandkunselman.com, was in charge of arrangements.

Terry A. Brown (July 25,1958 – May 25,2024)

Terry A. Brown, 65, of Brighton Township, passed away peacefully at home on May 25, 2024. He was the son of the late Robert and Lucille Brown. Terry is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Holly Brown, children, Crystal (Matt) Yaria, Chelsea (Tommy) Schultz, siblings, Dave (Elaine) Brown, Jeff Brown, Lucy (Randy) Hartung, grandchildren, Olivia and Ruby Yaria, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Terry was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and NASCAR racing fan. He enjoyed his two dogs Luna and Xnea. He was a wonderful and caring husband, father, and grandfather who absolutely loved and adored his family. Friends and Family will be received on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, 724-266-2549. The family asks that memorial contributions be made in care of the funeral home.

Trump Trial Deliberations Set To Begin

The jury in Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York is set to begin deliberations Wednesday, marking the beginning of the end of the first criminal trial against a former president in U.S. history.

The jury will be tasked with reaching a unanimous verdict on each of the 34 felony counts of falsification of business records that Trump faces. Prosecutors allege he disguised the purpose of a year’s worth of reimbursements to his attorney Michael Cohen, who paid $130,000 in “hush money” to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Trump has pleaded not guilty.

2 Missing, 7 Injured After Explosion In Youngstown

Two people were missing and seven were injured when a natural gas explosion caused extensive damage to a building in Youngtown, Ohio.

The explosion, which occurred around 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, blew off the façade of the Realty Tower. Firefighters helped some people get out of the building, which houses a Chase Bank on the ground floor and has apartments in upper floors.

Youngstown Fire Chief Barry Finley said a man and a woman were missing following the blast.

The blast collapsed the first floor into the basement, Finley said, and the building’s structural integrity is in question so no firefighters were being allowed in to conduct a search.

The seven injured people were taken to Mercy Health Hospital in Youngstown. A hospital spokesperson said one person was in critical condition, but did not release further details.

A  post by the Mahoning County Emergency Management Agency said there was a natural gas explosion and the situation is “fluid but under control.”

The blast shook the downtown area of the city of about 60,000 residents. Bricks, glass and other debris littered the sidewalk.

Kail Introduces Commonsense Legislation to Improve Pennsylvania’s Tax Climate for Small Business

HARRISBURG – Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) offers hope to Pennsylvanians through the introduction of commonsense legislation that would uncap businesses’ Net Operating Loss (NOL) carryforward deductions by 2025. This dynamic tax strategy will empower small businesses and make Pennsylvania more attractive to, and competitive for, new business.

 

Currently, Pennsylvania caps a business’ NOL carryforward deduction at 40% of taxable income. In fact, Pennsylvania is one of only two states that cap NOL deductions below the federal limit (80% of taxable income). For start-ups, which likely experience losses in their first few years, this cap is a penalty. The same goes for manufacturers in the commodity markets who often have major fluctuations in profits and losses.

 

“Making Pennsylvania business-friendly is not just a goal; it’s a fundamental necessity, which is why I am calling for an end to the start-up penalty,” said Kail. “My legislation promotes a tax structure that is beneficial for entrepreneurs and cyclical businesses, both of which are critical to a healthy economy. By uncapping NOL deductions, we achieve an environment that welcomes innovation and fosters opportunities for family-sustaining jobs. My legislation establishes hope for enhancing the quality of life for all residents of the Commonwealth.”

Center Township Police investigating ATM damage

Beaver County Radio News Staff. Published May 28, 2024 1:57 A.M.

(Center Township, Pa) Center Township Police are asking the public for help locating a person responsible for damage at an ATM. Police say on May 9th at approximately 6:30pm, a driver who was caught on camera had entered the ATM drive through at Huntington Bank at the Beaver Valley Mall. The male caused disabling damage to the ATM and fled the scene. Anyone with information is asked to contact the non-emergency number at 724-775-0880 and ask to speak with a Center Township Police Officer.