Thursday's announcement is the first part of a $12 million project to upgrade several taxiways with new paving, grading, lights, drainage and markings. Mercer County is contributing $132,000 toward the project, and is seeking grants from the FAA for the balance.

"The commitment Frontier Airlines has made to make Trenton-Mercer Airport the base of its East Coast operations will boost the region's economy, creating new jobs and opportunities for residents right here in Mercer County," said acting Gov. Kim Guadagno at the announcement Thursday, alongside Department of Transportation Commissioner James Simpson.

Frontier provides nonstop service to New Orleans and several Florida cities, and will add service to Atlanta, Chicago, Columbus, Detroit and Raleigh-Durham next month.

"Regional airports such as Trenton-Mercer are an increasingly important part of New Jersey's transportation network," Simpson said. "They offer convenient alternatives to the region's major airports for business and leisure travelers and help drive economic development and job creation."

Frontier expects to serve more than 200,000 passengers at Trenton-Mercer Airport this year. The Federal Aviation Administration forecasts that by 2025, Trenton-Mercer will serve 11 million people.