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A new state law paves the way for development of two bases in central Pennsylvania where drones can be tested and deployed.
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 468 into law last week after it cleared both the House and Senate by unanimous votes.
The law designates sites in Cambria and Somerset counties and a third unspecified county where Pennsylvania can work with other states to research and advance use of unmanned aircraft such as drones.
The John Murtha Johnstown Cambria County Airport has already emerged as a center for developing new types of aviation.
PennDOT recently designated the airport as an advanced air mobility site.
The law will foster Pennsylvania's role as a hub for drone advancement, said Sen. Wayne Langerholc, R-Cambria, the sponsor.
Specifically, it authorizes PennDOT to enter into interstate agreements for research, testing, training or deployment of drones.
The law provides that drones or unmanned aircraft systems can operate in Pennsylvania if they are under an interstate agreement and follow state laws.
A spokesman for a Johnstown-based nonprofit tied to the aviation industry outlined what these interstate agreements can entail.
"This bill is where aviation innovation and workforce development come together," said Matt Crocco, communications director for Aerium.
"It gives Pennsylvania and its fellow states in the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program the authority to build drone highways: corridors linking regions and states for the next wave of drone services, including medical delivery, long-distance inspection of critical infrastructure, remote operations, and interstate drone-delivered commerce," said Crocco.
Some of the new technology focuses on having drones and aircraft take off and fly vertically like helicopters. Newer types of aircraft can be electric-powered.
Aerium focuses on building Pennsylvania's aerospace workforce. Aerium uses public and private dollars to train educators and bring aviation programs to schools and career centers.
The Murtha airport is named for the late Pennsylvania congressman John Murtha. He obtained federal funding for a modern runway and tower.