Philadelphia International Airport will receive a US$16.5 million federal grant to extend its main east-west runway from 10,500 feet to 12,000 feet. When it is completed, the runway, known as 9-Right, 27-Left, will be one of the longest on the East Coast.

On Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration announced US$282.6 million in infrastructure grants to 67 airports in 29 states. So far this year, the U.S. Transportation Department has awarded 1,428 grants worth US$2.3 billion for upgrades to airport runways, taxiways, signage, and lighting.

The FAA said the latest grants will be issued in the next few weeks to take advantage of the summer construction season.