Construction at North Central West Virginia Airport slated to begin later this year

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Work on an expansion and upgrade to North Central West Virginia Airport could begin as early as the second quarter of this year.

The project includes building a new terminal near state Route 279, creating an additional 50 acres of airport space with taxiway access to the airport’s runway, and developing land for additional commercial and industrial use.

Gov. Jim Justice kickstarted the project in August 2019 by providing a $10 million grant from the Infrastructure Jobs Development Council and a similar loan from the West Virginia Economic Development Authority.

Airport director Rick Rock told MetroNews affiliate WAJR-AM the airport must wait 30 days for public comment on the Federal Aviation Administration’s environmental assessment.

“I expect there to be no problems. I expect it should go through,” he said. “We welcome comments, but I anticipate no significant findings.”

Rock noted the environmental approval is needed to start work on an upgraded passenger terminal and aerotech business park.

“The design is complete,” he said. “We’ve bid the project out, and the contractor is waiting on the notice to proceed.”

The airport accounts for $1 billion in economic impact. Rock said he believes the effects will multiply as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries grows its regional jet service.

“We want to put people to work, we think it’s a great project, and in the end, it will have great benefits for the state of West Virginia,” she said. “We’ve been fortunate going through this process.”

Additional nearby work includes the Harrison Business Park, which the Harrison County Economic Development Corporation is leading.





More News

News
Bridge collapse having an impact on West Virginia coal shipments
About third of the coal mined in northern West Virginia is shipped out of the presently idled Port of Baltimore
March 28, 2024 - 1:18 pm
News
Charleston animal shelter seeks more donations, fosters following U-Haul crash
The corner roof of the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association building was stabilized Thursday morning.
March 28, 2024 - 12:41 pm
News
Controversial unemployment bill becomes law without governor's signature
The bill freezes employer contributions and freezes benefits for people who lose their jobs.
March 28, 2024 - 12:20 pm
News
Governor signs bill phasing out state taxes on Social Security and receives praise
The phase-out would mean a 35% cut retroactive to Jan. 1, 2024; 65% in 2025 and 100% in 2026.
March 28, 2024 - 11:46 am