< PreviousCAround Your Town Around Your Town A $1.39 billion construction project aimed at modernizing Pittsburgh International Airport is now underway after being delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The project, which will take place over the next four years, entails constructing a new terminal adjacent to the current airside terminal. Once completed, travelers getting dropped off at the airport will no longer head to the current landside terminal. Instead, they’ll take a road that’s being constructed directly to the new modern-looking, glass-and-steel terminal building. Once inside, travelers will head through a main security checkpoint that will be double the size of the current checkpoint. Once through, they’ll no longer hop on a tram but will instead be able to walk directly to their gates. On both sides of security, there will be outdoor spaces and expanded room for vendors and concessions. There will also be more automated systems. According to the Allegheny County Airport Authority, the improvements will cut the time it takes for travelers to go from curb to gate in half. Improved baggage handling and customs will also help departing passengers leave the airport more quickly. The authority estimates those improvements will help international visitors leave the airport 67% quicker. Parking will also be improved, thanks to construction of a new parking garage that will triple the number of covered parking spaces and help travelers stay out of the elements. Overall, the project is expected to cut the airport’s operating costs by $21 million per year. Had COVID-19 not shut down the country, those improvements would likely be forthcoming. The original work was supposed to be completed by 2023. The project is now estimated to be completed in early 2025. To celebrate the restart of the Terminal Modernization Program, officials held a ceremonial groundbreaking Oct. 14 on the site of the new terminal building. In front of a backdrop of disheveled concrete, construction vehicles and the current airside terminal, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County Airport Authority Board Chairman Dave Minnotte, Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis and Allegheny County Airport Authority Chief Development Officer Paul Hoback outlined the vision for the program. They also reflected on what had brought the airport to this point and on its transformation from a hub for US Air to one that’s now staking its future on a variety of airlines and industries. “We’re breaking ground on so much more than a building or a complex,” said Cassotis. “We’re really breaking ground on the region’s future. This is meant to be a physical representation of everything that makes this community great.” Cassotis talked about a number of recent innovations at the airport, including construction of a microgrid that has taken the airport completely off the public power grid. Cassotis said the airport is the first in the country that can say that, thanks to a combination of nearly 10,000 solar panels and five natural gas generators. As well, she mentioned the airport’s new advanced manufacturing facility called Neighborhood 91, which the authority is leasing out to Wabtec and several other companies involved in additive 3D printing. Wabtec is using the facility to print parts for the rail industry. Neighborhood 91 is part of a new 195-acre business park that the authority is developing to the west of the terminal along I-376. Called the Pittsburgh Innovation Campus, the park will consist of Construction on airport’s Terminal Modernization Program moving forward ABOVE: Architectural renderings show the arrival and departure areas inside the new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport. BELOW: A new parking garage will triple the number of covered spaces at the airport. RENDERINGS COURTESY GENSLER + HDR IN ASSOCIATION WITH LUIS VIDAL + ARCHITECTS Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis speaks at a groundbreaking event Oct. 14 to celebrate construction of a new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport. In the background, construction vehicles sit where the new terminal will be built. Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald (to Cassotis’ left) gave opening remarks and reflected on the airport’s transformation over the past couple of decades. PHOTO BY DOUG HUGHEY STORY BY DOUG HUGHEY 20 • Allegheny West Magazine • December 2021/January 2022a combination of research and development labs, office space, manufacturing and a town center. The authority intends to generate revenue from the campus through lease agreements. Cassotis also talked about a new testing facility that will be located on airport property and another dedicated to freight forwarding, which she said the authority began exploring during the pandemic. “We pivoted from talking to passenger airlines who were just trying to figure out how to get to the next day and we started talking to freight forwarders and we turned on an entire international cargo industry,” Cassotis said. “Now we’re going to build a new building with help from the federal government.” In remarks, Fitzgerald reflected on the airport’s journey following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and losing its hub status with US Air in the mid-2000s. Without naming the airline directly, Fitzgerald said that following the departure of that “company,” air traffic dropped from 21 million passengers per year to about five to six million passengers per year. “You can see where the finances go on any business that loses about 75% of its customers,” Fitzgerald said. He said that did not bode well for the authority when it went looking for a new CEO. Fitzgerald, though, said the airport’s economic outlook improved dramatically after it was able to strike a deal to develop its Marcellus Shale gas reserves. He said those royalties enabled the airport to pursue many of its recent innovations and attract a number of CEO candidates, including Cassotis. Fitzgerald credited Cassotis with making many of those innovations a reality and steering the airport on its current trajectory. In addition to airport authority officials, remarks were also delivered by state Rep. Valerie Gaydos, state Sen. Devlin Robinson, Allegheny County Councilman Sam DeMarco and others. Robinson, in his speech, touted some of the economic impact figures of the Terminal Modernization Program and emphasized that no taxpayer funds were being used for the program. Instead, construction is being paid for by a combination of airport revenue, bonds, vendor fees, parking fees and natural gas drilling royalties. Fitzgerald stated that the Program is expected to inject $2.5 billion into the local economy, creating 14,000 direct and indirect jobs and generating $27 million in local, county and state taxes. For more on the Terminal Modernization Program, visit www. pittransformed.com. State Sen. Devlin Robinson delivers remarks during the Terminal Modernization Program groundbreaking. December 2021/January 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 21CAround Your Town Around Your Town Southern Beltway section opens, providing better access and promising new area development Just hours before Allegheny County Airport Authority officials held a groundbreaking for the new Terminal Modernization Program at Pittsburgh International Airport, another group of officials just a few miles away celebrated a milestone for yet another major regional project. In the late morning of Oct. 14, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission officials held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of a new section of PA Turnpike 576, also known as the Southern Beltway, near an on-ramp to the highway from Route 22. The $800 million section of highway extends the Findlay Connector portion, which opened in 2006, all the way from Route 22 to I-79. Speaking at the ribbon cutting, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission CEO Mark Compton pointed out that the highway will link key economic centers across the region. “Today’s opening creates a new economic corridor linking three major employment centers: Southpointe business park, Neighborhood 91 and Shell’s petrochemicals complex,” said Compton, referring to the Shell ethane cracker in Beaver County. “Recognizing a theme of energy and innovation, the new corridor has been branded the Energy Commerce and Innovation Corridor.” The highway will give traffic traveling from the Southpointe business park area another route other than I-376 to the airport. That may very well help ease some congestion on the west-bound portion of the Parkway West traveling through Robinson Township while decreasing the time it takes for travelers from points south to reach the airport. The highway also provides residents of western Allegheny County with quicker access to points in Washington County in between Route 22 and Southpointe. As well, the beltway is expected to help develop some of those outlying areas and attract investment from outside sources, as has been the case with the Findlay Connector. Imperial Land Corporation, which developed the Findlay, Westport Woods and Chapman Westport industrial parks along the Findlay Connector, already has plans to develop 900 acres along the new section of the beltway in Robinson Township, Washington County. That development will be located near the McDonald-Midway Exit. According to Imperial Land, companies at the Findlay Connector developments now employ around 2,148 people and generate approximately $6.4 million in local tax revenue for Findlay Township, Allegheny County and the West Allegheny School District. Those industrial parks are home to two Amazon distribution facilities, The Okonite Company, Appliance Dealers Cooperative, Niagara Bottling and others. Imperial Land president Brian Temple says the companies that have located at those parks are largely interested in shipping and warehousing, and keen on the location’s access to markets in Pittsburgh, Ohio and West Virginia. He says Imperial Land expects to see similar growth along the new extension of the highway. “Midway-McDonald will be an extension of what you’ll see at Findlay,” says Temple, referring to the Robinson development. “We’re definitely thinking it’ll be similar to what you see [there].” Imperial Land is expecting the development to draw $600 million in private investment from companies utilizing it for warehousing, office space and light manufacturing. State Rep. Jason Ortitay touted that figure in his own remarks at the ribbon cutting. The new section of highway has five interchanges connecting to Route 22, Beech Hollow Road, Ft. Cherry Road, Route 50 and I-79 South. A ramp onto I-79 northbound from 576 eastbound is still being constructed, as is a ramp from I-79 southbound onto the beltway. From I-79 to the airport, there are three electronic overhead toll gantries that each cost drivers with an EZ Pass $1.30 and those without $2.60. STORY BY DOUG HUGHEY ABOVE: Yassmin Gramian, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, cuts a ribbon opening the new portion of PA Turnpike 576. PHOTO BY DOUG HUGHEY. BELOW: This map shows the portion of PA Turnpike 576 that opened in October. COURTESY PENNDOT 22 • Allegheny West Magazine • December 2021/January 2022December 2021/January 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 2324 • Allegheny West Magazine • December 2021/January 2022West Allegheny elementary students were asked to create the cover of Allegheny West Magazine’s December holiday edition. Many more excellent drawings than can be printed here were submitted. These were just some of the best from each grade. The artists who created these are (from top left): kindergartners Avery Palmer, Brooklyn Grecco, Emmett Crouse and Lilliana Santoro; first-graders Aaban Mahmood, Cameron Holmes, Abby Dove, Dylan Kuzma, Emma Barr and Serena Himraj; second-graders Alice Stacy, Cassie Crouse, Haylie Guido, McKenna Bruno and Mila Ziehler; third- graders Emily Aivalotis, Julia Himraj Ali, Laila Shaffer, and Avery Sethman; fourth-graders Delaney Sethman (co-artist with Avery Sethman), Cameron Kelly, Maddox Chappel and Maria Zorzi; and fifth-graders Alaina Leonard, Aleigh Zdinak, Cambria Ziehler, Gianna Naple, Katie Stultz, Kenzie Krnich, McKenzie Koteles, Naima Said and Noelle Shaffer. December 2021/January 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 25Your SchoolsYour Schools N Archangel Gabriel School STORIES AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED Seventh grade Fairchild Challenge and fossil lab Seventh-graders recently participated in their first Fairchild Challenge of the year. The Fairchild Challenge is a multidisciplinary, standards-based environmental education outreach program designed to give high school, middle school and elementary school students an opportunity to creatively shine. The challenge, which is sponsored by Phipps Conservatory, focuses on environmental education. In this challenge, students were tasked with researching and creating something in nature with iridescence. Teachers were so pleased with the outcomes. Boys cross-country team wins Diocesan Championship The AGS trophy case just got a little fuller after the AGS cross-country teams went up against 28 other teams at the Diocesan Cross Country Championship at Youthtowne. There, the developmental boys placed seventh, the JV boys placed eighth and the JV girls and varsity girls both earned trophies for fourth place finishes. The varsity boys, meanwhile, became the school’s first-ever diocesan champion team, with Carter Cross coming in first overall. In addition, numerous students earned a medal in their division and had personal records. AGS is extremely proud of the team and can’t wait to see them compete for another title next year. AGS car raffle is a success This year’s car raffle was a huge success thanks to Falconi Moon Township Automotive, the community and the school. Many in the school community either purchased tickets or volunteered their time to sell tickets during the fundraiser. The winning ticket was pulled at the St. Malachy Nationality Festival in October. Congratulations to the Murtha family, who won a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. Moon Run firefighters pay kindergarten and preschool a visit Preschool and kindergarten students learned about fire fighting and fire safety during Fire Prevention Week in October. They learned about smoke detectors, calling 911, fire escape plans at school and staying away from objects that can burn or start a fire. Children were also taught important phrases like “Get Out and Stay Out” and “Don’t Hide, Get Outside.” As well, the Moon Run VFD and paramedics visited the school’s pre-K and kindergarten classes to discuss fire safety and show the children the equipment that firefighters wear. The classes also got to talk about what paramedics do and students were able to meet their rescue dog, Sirus! The firefighters were kind enough to bring two fire trucks and show the children all of the different tools that they use. A big thank you goes out to the Moon Run firefighters for bringing everyone bags, temporary tattoos and fire helmets. The AGS boys cross-country team celebrates winning the diocesan championship. Kindergartners and preschoolers got a visit from Moon Run firefighters and a lesson on fire safety. AGS students created iridescent animals for this year’s Fairchild Challenge. 26 • Allegheny West Magazine • December 2021/January 2022N Your Schools Your Schools Seventh and eighth grade hayride On Oct. 15, AGS’ fantastic Parent-Teacher Group organized a fun event for seventh- and eighth-graders right around the time they would typically be having their first dance of the school year. Instead, the students visited Simmons Farms, where they took a long hayride to a bonfire, played some outdoor glow games, made s’mores, and had a great chance to socialize. We are musical AGS offers violin lessons to students starting as early as kindergarten. The school loves to see the progress each child makes through the years. In addition to violin lessons, the school also offers band class to those in fourth grade and up. Students can also participate in choir, chorus and a spring musical. AGS is always looking for more ways to expand the minds of students and to see their faces light up when they get the songs correct. Students as young as kindergarten can learn how to play violin at AGS. Coding in kindergarten AGS kindergartners are coding! The school’s 5- and 6-year-olds have been busy building mazes using coding cards and watching Colby, the programmable robot mouse, find the cheese! Colby has lights, sounds and color buttons to match coding cards. Kindergarten students are enjoying learning about coding in Mrs. Corona’s computer class. AGS volleyball goes to Pitt The JV volleyball coach arranged a trip for players to attend a volleyball game to watch second-ranked Pitt play Duke on Oct. 1 at the Fitzgerald Field House. Students were even able to meet some Panther athletes after the game! The expression on students’ faces after standing next to players who were six feet tall was as priceless as the players hearing that the students were playing in fifth grade. AGS is grateful to Coach Curry for making this opportunity possible. Kindergartners learn about coding while using Colby the robot mouse. AGS volleyball players pose for a picture with Pitt players after attending a game. December 2021/January 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 27Your SchoolsYour Schools N RAMS wrap up soccer season The Robinson Township Christian School RAMS, a co-ed combined middle and high school soccer team, recently completed its 2021 fall season with a solid record. The team is part of the Southwest Christian Athletic Conference. Head coach Art Broadwick stated, “We were 2-2 in our division. We finished the season with an overall record of 6-6. We defeated finalist Portersville Christian School, then to prove that it’s not a fluke, we played Portersville in the playoffs and, though we lost, it was a 1-0 game. Congratulations to junior Theo Campbell and sophomore Jordan Styer for being named to the SWCAC All-Conference team at the end of the season. I am so very proud of everyone on this team. They really showed what it means to pull together. Our team showed that our total value was greater than the sum of our parts.” Assistant RAMS Coach Kara Bombardier agreed and said, “Our team is made up of quite a few very talented younger players, so there’s a lot of potential in the years ahead. We may be a small school, but I believe we’re mighty!” Robinson Township Christian School Character Dress-up Day Staff and students had fun dressing up for a day during the last week of October. For Character Dress-up Day, participants were able to spend the entire school day dressed in the costume of their favorite book character. Students enjoyed trying to see who could guess which book character they were. Kara Bombardier, school librarian, and her son Slade picked his favorite “Elephant and Piggie” book. The two shared a costume theme together. All students had the opportunity during a school assembly to share why they loved the particular book on which their costume was based. CONTENT SUBMITTED The RAMS recently wrapped up their fall season. Kara Bombardier, school librarian, and her son Slade dressed up as characters from “Elephant and Piggie” for Character Dress-Up Day. Community Service Club students recently helped the Providence PCA Community Garden, which operates adjacent to the school grounds, construct a greenhouse. The new greenhouse will make it possible to grow an even greater diversity of vegetables through longer periods of the year. Over the past two years, since the community garden’s inception, it has been producing lettuce, onions, garlic, green beans, cucumbers, radishes, hot and sweet peppers, shallots, herbs and tomatoes. All produce has been donated for local consumption. Community Service Club members help construct greenhouse These Community Service Club students recently helped the Providence PCA Community Garden construct a greenhouse. 28 • Allegheny West Magazine • December 2021/January 2022N Your Schools Your Schools Pittsburgh Technical College Pittsburgh Technical College held in-person commencement exercises at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum on Oct. 5. The ceremony marked PTC’s first in-person graduation ceremony since October of 2019 and honored a total of 450 students. In addition to students who graduated in July and October of 2021, graduates from January of 2020 through April of 2021 who previously participated in virtual commencements were also honored. As well, a number of students were recognized with awards for their academic and civic achievements. Among them were nine students who were awarded the Richard S. Caliguiri Award. Named for the 1948 PTC graduate and former Pittsburgh mayor, the award recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence, perseverance, professionalism and leadership, as chosen by PTC’s faculty. “This Caliguiri Award exists to allow PTC faculty to distinguish graduating students that have demonstrated success in academics, perseverance, professionalism and leadership during their education at PTC,” said Christine Ioli, Alumni Coordinator for PTC. As well, one student was recognized with the J.R. McCartan Outstanding Student Award. The award is named after PTC’s former president and recognizes a student who embodies the mission and goals of the college. Recipients also have made significant contributions to the school during their time as a student. Lastly, a Community Service Award was given to students who had participated in a minimum of 100 hours of community service within a 12-month period of enrollment. While honoring current graduates and previous ones whose commencement had been interrupted by COVID-19, PTC followed the same health and safety protocols that it has been utilizing since the start of the pandemic. STORY SUBMITTED PHOTOS BY ETHAN MANSBERGER PTC hosts in-person commencement ABOVE: PTC hosts in-person commencement exercises at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum on Oct. 5. BELOW LEFT: PTC President Alicia Harvey-Smith delivers remarks. BELOW RIGHT: Proud graduates pose for pictures outside the hall. December 2021/January 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 29Next >