DuBois Regional Airport did not receive a new federal grant of more than $3 million for runway and taxiway rehabilitation in 2025, despite claims circulating in the community. State transportation records and recent planning documents show no such award. Instead, the most recent public funding tied to the airport in 2025 is a $225,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for continued renovations to the airport’s administration building. VisaVerge.com reports that there is no official confirmation this year of a multi‑million‑dollar federal grant for runway or taxiway work at DuBois.
Current operational status and key facts
The airport remains open and active. Its main Runway 07/25 measures 5,503 feet by 100 feet, has an asphalt surface, and is equipped with lighting. DuBois Regional Airport serves general aviation and limited commercial service, and its estimated economic impact stands at $33.4 million.
Any suggestion of a large federal grant for runway or taxiway rehabilitation attracts attention because of the airport’s economic role. But as of late August 2025, there is no public record of a new federal award of that size for this field.
State funding vs. federal claims
The 2025 funding announcements from the Commonwealth tell a different story. In June, the Shapiro Administration and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said nearly $10 million would support airport work across the state. DuBois Regional Airport’s share is the $225,000 allocation for upgrades to the administrative facility.
- This money comes through the Aviation Transportation Assistance Program, supported by the capital budget.
- It is not aimed at runway or taxiway rehabilitation.
Program listings for the 2025–2028 cycle also show smaller planned projects at DuBois:
- $50,000 — acquire ground support equipment
- $400,000 — sealcoating access road pavement
These items help everyday operations and safety but are not multi‑million‑dollar airfield construction projects. The listings do not show a federal grant of $3 million or more for runway or taxiway rehabilitation at DuBois during this period.
Why confusion can happen
Recent reports show that another airport—Huntingburg Regional Airport in Indiana—received about $3.3 million from the FAA for a new terminal. That unrelated announcement may have caused confusion for some readers.
- Different airports frequently apply for various grants in the same season.
- It’s easy for unrelated project amounts to get mixed up in local conversations.
Planning activities at DuBois
DuBois Regional Airport continues to plan for the future. The airport has sought a master plan update, signaled by a recent request for qualifications tied to an Airport Improvement Grant planning effort.
- This step focuses on long‑term strategy, layout, and priorities.
- It is not a construction grant for runway or taxiway rehabilitation.
- Planning work can shape later projects, but it does not itself fund paving, lighting replacement, or structural airfield work.
Operational priorities and smaller projects
Airport leaders and stakeholders balance multiple needs:
- Administrative upgrades improve customer service, tenant management, and coordination with state agencies.
- Ground support equipment aids daily operations.
- Access road maintenance supports visitors who drive in.
These items, included in current public project lists, run alongside the larger jobs that attract attention—such as runway overlays or taxiway realignments. At DuBois, those larger airfield projects do not appear in any 2025 federal grant announcements.
Maintenance needs and taxpayer expectations
The runway’s 5,503-foot length serves a range of general aviation aircraft. Typical upkeep needs include:
- Routine asphalt maintenance to extend pavement life
- Periodic lighting system work to ensure safe operations during low visibility and evening hours
Taxpayers expect airports to plan and fund these activities over time, but based on current records, no new federal award of $3 million or more has been issued in 2025 for DuBois for such tasks.
Economic context
DuBois Regional Airport’s estimated $33.4 million impact reflects spending by travelers, airport tenants, maintenance providers, and related regional activity. When the state invests in airports, it often cites this local return. The $225,000 state award for administrative renovations fits that framework: it targets day‑to‑day readiness, service quality, and back‑office needs that benefit users.
Pennsylvania Board of Aviation plan highlights (2025–2028)
The plan shows modest, focused items for DuBois:
- $50,000 — ground support equipment
- $400,000 — access road sealcoating
These investments do not touch the runway or taxiway but support access, safety, and operations. They indicate that multi‑million‑dollar airfield reconstruction is not in the current queue.
Funding process and how future projects would appear
Airport leaders monitor federal funding rounds to propose larger work. The typical sequence is:
- Planning documents (e.g., master plan updates)
- Applications for funding
- Award notices published by state and federal agencies
If DuBois pursues and wins a runway or taxiway rehabilitation grant in the future, it would require a new application and a confirmed award. As of late August 2025, no such award is listed.
What the public can expect now
For residents, pilots, and local businesses:
- Administration building renovations funded by the state in 2025 are expected to continue.
- Equipment purchases and road sealcoating are on the 2025–2028 plan.
- The runway remains open with its current dimensions and lighting.
- If future airfield rehabilitation or expansion is funded, the airport and state agencies will publish that information.
Contacts and verification
Contact details for anyone who wants to verify the latest information:
- Airport manager: Robert Shaffer
- Address: 377 Aviation Way, Reynoldsville, PA 15851
- Main phone: 814‑328‑5311
- Airport website: DuBois Regional Airport
State resources and contacts:
- PennDOT Aviation — public updates and program outlines (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s site)
- PennDOT media office contact for press: Alexis Campbell, 717‑783‑8800
To avoid confusion, check the airport’s website, call the airport office, or review PennDOT Aviation announcements when you hear claims about large grants. The public record is the simplest way to match claims to documents, amounts, and schedules.
Key takeaways
- No 2025 federal grant of more than $3 million for runway or taxiway rehabilitation is listed for DuBois Regional Airport.
- State funding: $225,000 for administrative building renovations (announced June 2025).
- 2025–2028 plan items: $50,000 for ground support equipment; $400,000 for access road sealcoating.
- Runway 07/25: 5,503 feet by 100 feet, asphalt, with lighting.
- Estimated economic impact: $33.4 million.
For official program context and contact details, visit the Commonwealth’s aviation resources at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s site: PennDOT Aviation.
This Article in a Nutshell
Claims that DuBois Regional Airport received a federal grant exceeding $3 million in 2025 for runway or taxiway rehabilitation are not supported by public records. State documents and planning lists show the airport received a $225,000 Commonwealth grant for administrative building renovations through the Aviation Transportation Assistance Program. The 2025–2028 plan also identifies $50,000 for ground support equipment and $400,000 for access road sealcoating—projects that maintain operations and safety but do not fund major airfield reconstruction. The airport’s Runway 07/25 remains a 5,503 by 100‑foot asphalt, lighted surface, and the facility’s estimated economic impact is $33.4 million. Confusion likely arose from unrelated federal grants awarded to other airports. DuBois is pursuing planning activities, including a master plan update, which is preparatory and not a construction grant. Residents should verify future awards through PennDOT Aviation, FAA announcements, or the airport manager.
