A project whose initial concept goes back decades and most recent planning dates back for at least two years got more tangible proof that it is going to happen this afternoon. During the monthly meeting of the Benedum Airport Authority, a $10-plus million bid was approved to begin the excavation for a new terminal and acreage that will be used for future development.

 

David Hinkle, the president of the Authority overseeing daily operations at the North Central West Virginia Airport, made the announcement during a press conference following the meeting.

 

“This has been a project a lot of people have been waiting to see,” said Hinkle.

 

Hinkle paid tribute to prior Airport Authorities for making investments in the facility beyond the air service and runway. The airport is home to an aerospace industry that has a $1.2 billion annual economic impact.

 

Wolfe’s Excavating out of Harrison County was awarded the bid that is hoped will lead to more aerospace industry and more passengers flying into and out of Bridgeport. The bid for the project was $10,665,698.60.

 

The company, which is currently during the massive excavation work for Menards at Charles Pointe, was one of 16 to bid on the project. Initially, another company had the low bid of $9,579,000. However, the company withdrew the bid within the first 24 hours after realizing it had made an error in their calculations.

 

The bid withdrawal, which Attorney Dean Ramsey said was done correctly based on the contract, was accepted. After that, Wolfe’s Excavating was the next lowest bidder. They will be tasked with moving 400 million cubic yards of dirt.

 

While the bid was awarded, before the contract is signed and a notice to proceed is given, Bridgeport Mayor Andy Lang, who is an Authority member, wanted Ramsey to review the documents. The issue involves getting multiple requirements by the Army Corps of Engineers on the environmental front completely ironed out and the FAA, along with a few other issues in place, before proceeding.

 

“We hope to see dirt moving sometime this summer,” said Hinkle.

 

Once finished, the excavation will create 100 acres of land for development as well as land needed for the terminal that will be situated off of State Route 279, which is on the opposite of the runway – the longest commercial runway in the state – where the terminal currently exists.

 

The project is being funded by money announced by Gov. Jim Justice August 6 of 2019. Part of the announcement was a $10 million grant from the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council. Hinkle said that money will cover the bulk of the first phase of this project.

 

The money above the $10 million needed for the first part of this project will come from the airport and local government, said Hinkle. Hinkle said this portion of the project will run $14.6 million. Minus the excavation, the rest of the costs include the environmental and the engineering.

 

“The purpose of this grant was to create land for a new terminal,” said Hinkle. “That was something he wanted to see accomplished.”

 

What will be accomplished is a new terminal and what will be called the North Central West Virginia Aerotech Park.

 

“It will be historic and help our area continue to grow,” said Hinkle, who brought Alex Wolfe of Wolfe’s Excavating to the podium to thank him.

 

Editor's Note: Harrison County Commissioner and Airport Authority President David Hinkle announces the approval of a $10.5 million bid during today's press conference, while Gov. Jim Justice, right, is shown with Airport Director Rick Rock, middle, and Authority member and Harrison County Commissioner during the August 2019 announcement of the grant. Bottom photo shows Hinkle thanking Alex Wolfe of Wolfe's Excavating.