Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Bradford Regional Airport is getting $125,000 in state grant money to rehabilitate four hangars. Governor Tom Corbett announced today that 20 airports will share $3.4 million in grant money. St. Marys Municipal Airport will receive $262,500 to build a parking lot. This news comes on the heels of an order from the US Department of Transports ion to Silver Airways saying it must provide service at Bradford Regional for 30 more days. In February, Silver Airways filed a 90-day notice of its plans to terminate air service at Bradford and four other small airports. In early June, The DOT stopped Silver from suspending service and asked for proposals from airlines interested in providing service to Bradford. In late June, DOT said the federal subsidy at Bradford would be terminated at the end of September because the average number of passengers at the airport is lower than 10, and because Bradford is within 175 miles of a larger airport. Airport director Tom Frungillo has filed a reques...

One Book Bradford has chosen Melanie Benjamin's "The Aviator's Wife" as its "community read" for this season. This work of historical fiction gives reader's look into the lives the Charles Lindbergh and his wife Anne Morrow Lindbergh, through Benjamin's eyes. Often overshadowed by her husband, Anne was accomplished in her own right -- a successful author and the first licensed female glider pilot in the United States. As always, One Book Bradford has lined up events to complement the book. The first is an "Aviator's Lunch" on October 5 at The Runway Bar & Grill at Bradford Regional Airport. Airport Manager Tom Frungillo will give a presentation on the history of the airport. A limited number of tickets will be available at the Bradford Area Public Library. Bruce Klein will be on hand to give people rides in his biplane (for a fee) at the peak of fall foliage season. The One Book Bradford season will culminate with a visit ...

Bradford Regional Airport is getting a $197,500 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to help pay for terminal and runway safety enhancements. “These investments will help Bradford Regional Airport continue offering safe and reliable transportation services to the residents of McKean County and the broader region,” said Congressman Glenn “GT “ Thompson. “These projects benefit the local economy and businesses alike, and will provide all traveling custumers with greater safety.” “These funds will make considerable improvements to the terminal apron, replacing damaged and crumbling concrete, which has been in place since the 1950s,” said airport manager Thomas Frungillo. “The funds will also help improve airfield safety and complete the third and final phase to remove trees and brush from Runway 14/32’s primary surface areas.” “On behalf of the Bradford Regional Airport Authority, we certainly appreciate the Congressman's assistance and support in the release of these f...

PA Taps into Hydrofracking, While NY Waits http://www.wkbw.com/home/PA-Taps-into-Hydrofracking-While-NY-Waits-139510723.html The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Following is a letter Bradford Regional Airport Director Tom Frungillo sent to business and community leaders in the region: As many of you have read of the ongoing debates concerning the FAA reauthorization bill and the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, there is still light at the end of the tunnel. Senator Casey’s staff has reached out to us regarding the Essential Air Service (EAS) language in the compromised FAA extension and it very encouraging. The Senator is still very much in support of the continuation of this important program for our region and the other airports at risk in the Commonwealth. Senator Casey has been stalwart in working hard for Pennsylvania. Please encourage your business contacts and friends to FLY BRADFORD! and support Senator Casey and Representative GT Thompson throughout this funding debate of our commercial air service program. Also it’s important that you let Senator Toomey know we disapprove of his position on Essential Air Service (EAS). EAS is n...

Supporters say the Essential Air Service is critical to the economic development of rural areas. While Bradford, Pa., is just under 90 miles from Buffalo, N.Y., it's not an easy drive — especially when it snows, (airport manager Tom )Frungillo says. Read and/or listen here .

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $182,000, through two grants, to the Bradford Regional Airport (BFD) in McKean County, PA. The FAA grants will help BFD pay for runway safety enhancements and purchase aircraft rescue and fire fighting protective equipment. “These grants help meet the transportation needs and safety requirements of our regional airport authorities,” said Thompson. “Through this federal support, the Bradford Regional Airport will meet safety requirements and be able to continue offering the best possible aviation transportation services for our rural communities.” The Federal Aviation Administration awarded the funding in the form of two grants: · Grant I: $47,250.00 to “Acquire Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting Safety Equipment, Security Enhancements.” This funding will provide for the acquisition of aircraft r...

Leadership McKean is first recipient of Directors’ Award The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of their 2011 Awards along with the nominees to be honored in each category. Leadership McKean has been selected by the BACC Board of Directors as the first recipient of the Directors’ Award, designed to be chosen by vote among the Board of Directors and awarded to an individual or organization which has earned special recognition. John Sullivan, President of the BACC Board of Directors, stated, “Leadership McKean has had a tremendous impact in our community over the last five years, and we have certainly felt that positive influence at the Chamber. In fact, nearly half of our board members are Leadership McKean alumni, or are current students in the program. That participation is testimony to the success of the program. As a member of the second Leadership McKean class in 2008, I know how much it inspired me to get more involved in the community. Deve...

Gulfstream International has announced that it will receive $8.5 million in federal subsidies as part of the Essential Air Service Program. Earlier this month, the US Department of Transportation awarded Gulfstream new two-year contracts as the EAS provider provider for Bradford, DuBois, Franklin/Oil City, Jamestown, New York, and Pakersburg, West Virginia. At that time, Bradford Regional Airport Director Tom Frungillo said the airport authority is looking forward to continuing to work with Gulfstream. He added, “Marcellus Shale development is currently leading to expanded service. Any future opportunities that may arise for new markets and destinations would also create additional passenger growth - and would be greatly welcomed.” Read the earlier news release here: September 10, 2010 Thompson Announces Continuation of Gulfstream Airlines Service at Bradford, Dubois and Franklin Airports Washington, D.C.—Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today announced that the U.S. Departm...

Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has re-selected Gulfstream International Airlines (Gulfstream) to provide Essential Air Service at Bradford, DuBois, and Oil City/Franklin, Pennsylvania. The duration of the contract will last from October 1, 2010 through September 30, 2012. In 1978 the commercial airline industry was deregulated. To ensure continued access to the national air transportation system, Congress created the Essential Air Service (EAS) Program, which provides a minimum level of service required at each eligible community. “I commend all three of these communities - Bradford, Dubois, and Franklin – for taking such an active role in the selection process. In the past Pennsylvania has suffered from severe cutbacks at connecting airports, despite the downturn, the Commonwealth is beginning to see a bright economic horizon as a result of the Marcellus Shale natural gas play. I will continue to work in ...

Washington, D.C .— U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, learned today that the Federal Aviation Administration has awarded $224,500 to the Bradford Regional Airport to purchase snow removal equipment and rehabilitate runways. “This federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation will enable the airport to keep their runways in good working order and provide greater safety in the winter with better snow removal,” said Thompson. “I understand the existing snow plow has reached the end of its useful life.” Airport Director Tom Frungillo said, “The funds will be used to rehabilitate, crack seal and mark Runway 14-32 and Runway 5-23. Additionally, we will purchase much needed snow removal equipment.”

Mary Jane Hand, center, takes over as president of the Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau’s board of directors Thursday. Hand replaces Tom Frungillo, left. Also pictured is Linda Devlin, executive director of the Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau. The slate of officers is Hand as president, Stacey Ackley, vice president; Wayne Pearson, associate vice president; Kevin Kost, secretary; and Steve Cottillion, treasurer. The bureau is the official tourist promotion agency of McKean County. ( Photo courtesy of Sandra Rhodes, ANFVB )