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Airport Authority Signs off on Six-Figure Purchase of Desired Item for New Terminal Last Seen in 2011

By Jeff Toquinto on May 17, 2023 via Connect-Bridgeport.com

As construction moves forward on the new terminal building for the North Central West Virginia Airport, the Benedum Airport Authority gave permission to acquire a piece of equipment that was last seen at the facility in 2011.
 
The Authority, the airport’s governing body, gave permission to staff to acquire a baggage carousel during Tuesday’s meeting at the existing terminal building in Bridgeport. Although it may seem early to buy the equipment with work just starting last week, Deputy Director Shawn Long explained there was a reason for it.
 
“Any utilities that go under the building, that deadline is coming up,” said Long with the need to have the utilities in place to handle the carousel. “Mascaro (the terminal general contractor) is moving fast so we need to get that contract started.”
 
The cost initially was at $130,000 when going out for the lowest cost. However, Long said discussions with the vendor allowed it to go down to $106,000.
 
“We need to get a specialized designer to design it because it is required to meet regulations because it ultimately has to be approved by TSA,” said Long.
 
While Long was not with the airport in 2011, NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock was. He said 2011 was the last year there was a carousel in place, and it was no longer feasible for use at the time.
 
“It handled, maybe, 15 bags and it was stuck in the corner of the terminal on the first floor,” said Rock. “When Vision Airlines was here for a short time you would have 150 people coming through from a plane trying to get their bags in what was essentially a 100 square foot area.”
 
Eventually, the space was converted into a security office. Rock said the carousel would have never come close to meeting the needs today with a huge expansion in flight service since 2011.
 
Today, NCWV Airport staff unload luggage from the plane and take it outside for passengers to pick up. Rock said it is the most convenient way in the existing terminal, but that will change once the new terminal is open.
 
“We’ve handled it well, but with a terminal you want a baggage carousel, and it’s about to be on its way and can handle the flights serving the community.”
 
Other projects for the new terminal were also discussed. Bids for signage inside (wayfinding) the terminal as well as for FFE (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) were approved. Long said things are moving quickly due to the rapid pace the contractor has set.
 
Also at Tuesday’s Airport Authority meeting, Michael Romano told the group the airport’s audit resulting in a “glowing report” from the auditor. He said there were no material exceptions or exceptions in the audit.
 
On another financial note, the Airport Authority approved funds for a new air-start system, which is a power source used to provide the initial rotation to start large diesel and gas turbine engines. Long said it can handle all sizes of planes at the airport and is needed as the current system is beginning to show signs of its age.
 
Editor's Note: Top photo shows NCWV Airport Deputy Director Shawn Long, left, and Director Rick Rock, looking over items during Tuesday's meetings. Bottom photo shows workers making substantial progress on the new terminal building that is scheduled to be open during the second half of 2024.



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