The future of property situated along State Route 131 across from the entrance to the Bridgeport Recreation Complex could be determined as early as tomorrow. Listed on Wednesday’s agenda for the Benedum Airport Authority – the governing body of the North Central West Virginia Airport – is an item to consider a proposal for the acreage in question.

 

Back in May, Bridgeport City Manager Kim Haws asked the Authority if they would be agreeable to doing a project in a joint capacity. While Haws has said the thought process started due to the eyesore the area has become, he also believes that there can be useful purposes for the facility.

 

“I’ve got some things together that will allow me to make a formal presentation,” said Haws.

 

The items Haws is suggesting are similar to those in the past. Haws said the land, which most believe is mainly situated in a flood plain, could be used for parking and the extension of some Bridgeport facilities. Primarily, the city would use the location for storage bins and storage facilities for materials and equipment used at the Rec Complex as well as the possibility of a new overflow shed for salt to be used for road treatment.

 

Authority members, as well as Authority President Ron Watson, seemed very agreeable to doing something with the property. Currently, the land sees little usage with the exception of the airport’s rental car agencies washing vehicles there. Old buildings on the site could be demolished to make way for whatever upgrades are needed.

 

Airport officials are hopeful that the possibility of adding more destination flights – such as the one to Orlando that has been a hit – will require spillover parking. To date, that hasn’t been a problem for the airport. However, several tournaments at the Rec Complex have had that facility’s parking area cramped at times. As uses continue to grow for the facility, the possibility for additional parking in that area is a possibility as well.

 

“We’re certainly agreeable to working with the Authority,” said Haws. “We think this can help them as well as helping out the city.”

 

The meeting begins at 3 p.m. in the terminal building at the NCWV Airport. Along with Haws’ planned presentation, the airport will hear from Director Rick Rock, Engineer Chad Biller, Tracy Miller of the Mid-Atlantic Aerospace Complex (MAAC) and Tom Stose, the director of the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center. 

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Kim Haws at the May meeting of the Airport Authority.