Congressman GT Thompson and a $1.5 million state multimodal grant. These funds supported construction of a 162-space parking lot behind the St. Francis school and flight training facilities, as well as expansion of the access road to accommodate two-lane traffic and tractor-trailer deliveries. “The airport also completed security improvements to fencing and gating systems while reconstructing a large aircraft hangar apron,” Cree says. “Site preparation for general aviation T-hangars will begin in 2026, with the first phase of the RJ hangar and innovation center going out for bids during the same period,” he adds. Congressman Dr. John Joyce’s help for funding the RJ Hangar/Innovation has been critical with a $4 million congressional directed spending allocation. The expanded access road will eventually connect to the innovation center, creating a development corridor with 130 acres designated as both a Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone and an Airport Land Development Zone, offering tax credits and $2,100 in tax relief per full-time employee to companies that relocate to the site. EMBRACING ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY While many regional airports view drones and autonomous aircraft as threats to traditional aviation, Johnstown has adopted a different approach. The facility actively pursues integration of advanced air mobility technologies, positioning itself at the forefront of an industry projected to grow from $1.47 billion in 2024 to $4.68 billion by 2032. 196 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 11
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