President Joe Biden’s April 17 speech at the U.S. Steelworkers headquarters in Pittsburgh may have grabbed all the headlines, but his stop at Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal construction site brought his pro-union message home.

Downtown, the president was greeted by an enthusiastic audience of union workers, as well as Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and United Steelworkers president David McCall.

Biden thanked the union workers for their support, and for sending him to the White House.

“The bottom line, all kidding aside, I’m president of the United States because of you guys,” he said. “And as I said earlier, I’m proud to be the most pro-union president in American history.”

After his visit, Biden’s motorcade headed back to PIT but not before making a stop at a nearby Sheetz, picking up sandwiches and snacks to give to construction workers building the new terminal and parking garage.

On site, he was greeted by several workers representing various trades as well as Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis and Chief Development Officer Paul Hoback.

“We have had the good fortune of welcoming important stakeholders from Washington D.C. over the years, and a Presidential visit like this showcases our new terminal program as a national leader in infrastructure,” Cassotis said. “Our region has always played a large role in building this country. We are glad to continue to build upon this legacy.”

From left, PIT CEO Christina Cassotis shakes hands with President Joe Biden at the construction site of PIT’s new terminal on April 17, 2024. (Photo by Bob Kerlik)

The Biden administration has previously recognized the impact that the new airport construction is having on the region’s transportation infrastructure, economy and workforce: First Lady Dr. Jill Biden toured the site and its childcare center last summer.

The vast majority of $1.57 billion terminal program is funded by the airlines that serve PIT. The project has also received $28.8 million in federal infrastructure grants under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021.

“It is so nice to see infrastructure money flowing into our area,” said Thomas C. Melisko Jr., Business Manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local #66. “President Biden really came through for our area and he was so excited to meet with the Building Trades workers.”

The Terminal Modernization Program will provide visitors with a more efficient travel experience via a larger security checkpoint and faster baggage claim while cutting long-term maintenance costs for the airlines, which are paying for the vast majority of the project. No state or local tax dollars are funding the project.

In addition to the new landside terminal, the construction includes a multi-modal parking garage and airport roadway system, including a new double decker front bridge.

Read more about the construction project at www.pittransformed.com.