PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh International and Allegheny County airports are getting $12 million to repair and renovate runways as part of the federal government's economic stimulus package.

The two airports are the first of several hundred across the country expected to receive a portion of the $1.1 billion allotted to the Federal Aviation Administration under the $787 billion stimulus act.

"This is money that will create jobs now, but it's also an investment in the long-term safety of our airports and their economic vitality," Vice President Joe Biden said in a statement Wednesday.

Pittsburgh International, which serves 4.8 million passengers per year, will get $10 million to repair one of its four runways. Repairs include grading, paving, marking signs and lighting upgrades. The county airport, which does not have scheduled passenger service but handles many charter flights, will get $2 million to renovate a taxiway and relocate a ramp.

Allegheny County Airport Authority spokeswoman JoAnn Jenny said it sought funding for the Pittsburgh International Airport project for several years, but the money was not available. The authority runs both airports.

Work at the Pittsburgh-area airports is expected to start in September, after the projects are put out to bid for private contractors, Jenny said. It was not clear how many jobs might be created.

The two airports' projects were chosen first because they were ready to go, said federal transportation spokesman Bill Mosley. Further funding announcements are expected in the coming weeks.