Allegheny County will receive a total of $217,000 from the state for improvements at the county airport in West Mifflin.

The money is part of $3.9 million being awarded for safety improvements and upgrading facilities at 18 airports, Pennsylvania Transportation Secretary Al Biehler announced today.

"Our thriving aviation industry employs thousands of Pennsylvanians," he said. "This funding will help these airports become better places for customers and employees."

At the Allegheny County Airport, $157,500 will be used to complete work on the public entrance and exit roads off Lebanon Church Road, and $60,000 will continue rehabilitation of the historic "retro-look" public terminal building.

Funding for the grants comes from revenue from the state's jet fuel tax and is administered by PennDOT's Bureau of Aviation.

Pennsylvania currently has 133 public-use airports and heliports, and 14 airports have scheduled commercial service.

Following is a list of other regional airports receiving funds:

Armstrong County -- McVille Airport, $142,500 to remove utility poles, which will improve safety.

Butler County -- Butler Farm Show Airport, $56,250 for snow removal equipment.

Lawrence County -- New Castle Airport, $112,500 to demolish a dilapidated structure and open an area for future development.

Somerset County -- Somerset County Airport, $350,000 to replace outdated storage hangars.

Washington County -- Finleyville Airpark, $37,500 to buy land to clear the approaches to the runway, and $13,500 to patch and re-mark the runway.