Although not going as fast as officials would like, the first phase of the multi-million dollar new terminal earth-moving project is progressing and a date has been set to show the public what the new facility will look like.

 

The earth-moving and terminal were just part of the discussion at Wednesday’s monthly meeting of the Benedum Airport Authority, the airport’s governing body. The first phase of the project, which will lay the groundwork for two additional phases ending with construction of the terminal, is roughly $15 million.

 

“Things are pending on FAA permits, which is in motion. It’s there, the permit has been applied for and the comments have come back,” said Authority member and Bridgeport Mayor Andy Lang. “Comments have been answered.”

 

Lang said the process right now is a “back and forth” and the FAA is not alone. He said the Army Corps is also in the review process, along with the EPA.

 

“Everything is in the Corps hands right now,” said Nicole Jones, P.E., with The Thrasher Group, who said they addressed comments from the Corps and the EPA. “ … We did have a conference call with the EPA and the Corps and the airport and ourselves to go over the comments to make sure we knew what they were getting at and told them how we were going to approach it. They seemed like it was a good approach.”

 

Those involved continue to labor to get to the point the contractor, Wolfe’s Excavating, can begin the actual earth moving. Wolfe’s Excavating won the bid in May. Their work on the first phase makes up nearly $10.7 million of the costs.

 

Once finished, the excavation will create the site for the new terminal along with 100 acres of land for development. All of it will be near the longest commercial runway in the state.

 

While that is dragging out, NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock had good news regarding the project. He said next Tuesday, Sept. 22, the conceptual design for the terminal will be unveiled.

 

“There’s a public meeting (where it will be displayed) at 2 p.m.,” said NCWV Airport Deputy Director Shawn Long.

 

Rock said this is the final conceptual drawing, which is being done by L.R. Kimball and PSH+, and how things will be designed will be based off what will be shown next week.

 

“Basically, they’re going to say here is the concept based on everything the board has given them,” said Rock.

 

The two additional phases that will take place will include the concrete work needed for the airport aprons, the lighting and other airport essentials that the Airport Authority is hopeful will receive FAA funding.

 

The final phase is the construction of the terminal. The parking area, which along with the terminal will be designed for expansion, will also be part of the final phase.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Airport Authority member and Bridgeport Mayor Andy Lang, while NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock is shown below.