Civil Municipal - June 2024

shop, and a certified flight examiner, providing essential services for the aviation community. LEASING OPPORTUNITIES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Hazleton Regional Airport is a hub for aviation and a catalyst for economic growth, attracting numerous businesses and fostering regional development. Chronowski elaborates on the variety of companies utilizing the airport and the potential for further land leasing, illustrating the airport’s integral role in the local economy. “We have major companies like Niagara Bottling Company and Coca-Cola flying in here regularly,” he says. Companies such as Multi-Plastics and In Steel also frequent the airport, supporting the bustling industrial parks nearby. “Eagle Rock Resorts is one of our main customers, visiting every four to five weeks,” he adds, highlighting the airport’s appeal to diverse industries. The region’s vibrant coal industry also relies heavily on the airport for transportation needs. “We get a lot of activity from the coal industry, with several companies flying in regularly,” Chronowski explains. Beyond industrial use, the airport serves leisure travelers under Part 135 operations, catering to local customers seeking to reach various destinations. ECONOMIC DRIVERS AND HOUSING INITIATIVES The airport’s influence extends into the city’s broader economic strategies, with Jeff Cusat, Mayor of West Hazleton, Pennsylvania, outlining ambitious plans for development and housing to boost the municipality’s growth. “We’re currently working with three developers to add industrial parks within the city limits,” says the mayor. Although the airport technically lies within Hazle Township, these new parks will be integral to the city’s economic expansion. The focus, however, isn’t solely on industrial growth. Housing initiatives are also at the forefront of the city’s agenda. “We created a ten-year program for new residential constructions, offering tax abatements,” Mayor Cusat reveals. This program is designed to attract 88 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 06