The York Airport is getting grant money to make upgrade that officials believe will aid make the airport more good-looking for business travelers.

Gov. Tom Corbett announced Thursday a $4 million state investing that will upgrade amenities and improve safety at 18 airports across the state.

The York Airport in Jackson Township will receive $238,500 to take away hazards to get better runway safety, plus will kick in $26,500 of its own money as part of a matching allow.

Tim Tate, vice president of York Aviation Operators, Inc., emphatic the state money comes from a fuel tax paid for by aviators and not from public tax dollars.

Obstructions:

The money will be used for obstacle removal, such as utility poles and trees that will let pilot’s clearer access to the runway. That is particularly beneficial for inclement weather conditions, Tate said, and will give the airport a better capacity to have planes land during less than ideal conditions rather than go somewhere else.

That should be supportive for business customers, he said.

"We want to attract more businesses to utilize the airport and support the local economy," Tate said. "We're trying to make it more available."

Last August, the privately owned public airport was awarded a state allow worth $240,750 to install a perimeter fence to keep wildlife off the runway. At that time, the airport had troubles with deer crossing the runway on the south side of Route 30 near Thomasville.

In the past 16 years, about six deer have roamed into the runway and been hit by planes that were landing or taking off. Even a turkey jumped into the side prance of a plane that was taking off and damage it.

The fence proposed with the last grant was to be tall and secure plenty to block deer and other wildlife. The fence would also include a layer of protection from trespassers.