Growth at the North Central West Virginia Airport appears to be continuing, even on the business front. This afternoon, NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock asked the Benedum Airport Authority – the airport’s governing body – to amend a lease agreement to provide additional space to allow for more growth that will produce more jobs.

 

“They needed additional space to put in temporary structures on property we have,” said Rock. “They have an opportunity to add two lines of maintenance.”

 

Rock told the Authority that the amendment that would lead to the change would likely add more jobs to the area. He said as many as 80 new jobs could result from the additional space. The Authority unanimously approved the amendment.

 

Also, the Authority approved a water line project that is being done in conjunction with the City of Bridgeport, the Airport and Bombardier. Bombardier needed a new water line for a new fire suppression system. Today, the Authority agreed to the low bid of Ferguson Waterworks for the $6,508.39 equipment. According to Rock, the City of Bridgeport will put the line in with the materials provided. After that, Bombardier will pay $25,000 for the suppression system in the building owned by the airport.

 

“They’re very important to our airport and we’re excited to see them grow,” said Rock.

 

While work was being done to set the stage for more work at Bombardier, actual work was continuing on a near $1 million airport terminal improvement project. Workers from Lombardi out of Follansbee were busy working on the canopy outside the terminal building as part of the roughly $977,000 project.

 

“The terminal canopy looks great,” said Airport Engineer Chad Biller of the Thrasher Group.

 

Members of the Authority didn’t disagree with the statement. They also agreed with a design change that will include “CKB Terminal” on the side of the building on the roadway leading to the airport from the entrance by Oliverio’s Ristorante.

 

“We hope to have everything done with this project by the end of the month … We think, for sure, we’ll be at the punch list stage by March 31,” said Rock. “The terminal canopy and some final touches on the roof are about the only things that need to be completed.”

 

Once that work is done, work will likely begin on renovating the administrative offices at the airport. Previously, the offices were located on the first floor where the new secure passenger waiting area is located. When that project was done, the offices were moved to the second floor of the terminal building where the Authority used to meet. While meeting the needs of the administrative staff, the still relatively new location provides no privacy and has outdated equipment and furniture.

 

The Authority approved up to $30,000 to make renovations and upgrades to the office today.

 

“We’re trying to create a more professional environment,” said Rock. “This will allow us to be as efficient as productive as possible. This will also create a work space for everyone.”