For those still skeptical that a new multi-million terminal that’s been in the discussion phase for more than a decade is going to happen in Bridgeport, it may be time to be optimistic. Recently, the Benedum Airport Authority began advertising for a new facility at the North Central West Virginia Airport.

 

Legal ads in the media have been released. And on Thursday of last week a mandatory pre-bid conference was held at the airport, according to Bridgeport Mayor Andy Lang. Lang, who along with Randy Kerns sits on the NCWV Airport Terminal Renovation Committee, is a member of the Authority. The Authority is responsible for overseeing the management of the operations at the airport.

 

The new terminal won’t be a built from scratch structure. Instead, it will be a complete makeover of the existing KCI Aviation terminal. That business is relocating not far from the airport.

 

Lang said he was thrilled to see the project get to the point of being ready to go out to bid. He was also thrilled with the turnout at the pre-bid conference.

 

“There were 45 people there, which included potential contractors and subcontractors. It was a big number and there were a lot of quality contractors, including a lot of West Virginia-based contractors,” said Lang. “Within reason the more bids you get with a fair pool of competitive bidders give you a better chance for a fair price and a quality product. That’s not always the case, but it’s usually the case.”

 

The price range for the new terminal has been estimated to be in the $6 million to upwards of $8 million. It’s much less, Lang along with Kerns and others, have told the Authority the cost is substantially less than building new building and the benefits of the location are better.

 

“The amount of money we spend could be one-third of the cost or even one-half of the cost,” said Lang. “Cost is important, but the logistics of keeping all the operations on one side of the terminal from the FBO (fixed base operations), maintenance and more is just as important.”

 

The plan to do the new terminal in an existing building is less than a year old. Plans to have a building with new ticket counters, a security area, two gates, indoor baggage claim, upgraded restroom facilities and more came together quickly.

 

“Our engineer (The Thrasher Group) did a great job of doing this quickly and professionally,” said Lang. “The goal is to meet the needs of the citizens traveling and, right now, our terminal is a little on the crowded side.”

 

Lang said the end goal is that the new terminal be at least operational for 15 to 20 years and perhaps longer. He said the airport’s master plan, which is currently being updated as it is every five years, already spells out that the new terminal would “more than meet the needs” for that time period.

 

The building being renovated for the new terminal covers 27,000 square feet. The work will be done on the first floor, but Lang said there are offices and additional space upstairs.

 

“I’m pleased this is all about to come to fruition,” said Lang.

 

Bids will be opened at 2 p.m. August 29. They can be received up until that time.

 

Editor's Note: Photos show Mayor Andy Lang going over preliminary plans at a recent Airport Authority meeting for the new terminal building with a closeup on the plans shown at the bottom.