Council Asked to Assist in Providing Part of $1 Million to Help Lure Major Daily Airline to NCWV Airport
By Jeff Toquinto on February 08, 2016 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
While the North Central West Virginia Airport recently surpassed 25,000 passengers in a single year for the highest number in decades, a huge portion of those that make up that total are part of the destination services offered to Orlando and Myrtle Beach. Numbers for the airport’s daily, federally subsidized program aren’t, however, where airport officials would like them to be.
On Monday, the first step in making daily flight service more reliable and with what NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock described as one 
of the “major players” was taken. Rock asked members of Bridgeport City Council to agree to donate funds to provide a minimum revenue guarantee.
of the “major players” was taken. Rock asked members of Bridgeport City Council to agree to donate funds to provide a minimum revenue guarantee.
“The small communities that are being successful are paying to play,” said Rock.
What that means is that when Rock and members of the Benedum Airport Authority – the airport’s governing body – put out a bid to get that federal subsidy through the Essential Air Service (EAS) program come April 1, Rock would also like to have as part of the package the minimum revenue guarantee. In other words, along with what would be an estimated $2.3 million from EAS, he would like to have an additional $1 million available in the event the airline doesn’t meet revenue projections.
How would that happen?
Rock said stake holders would be asked to contribute up to $1 million and perhaps more to make a major airline, such as American Airlines flying to a major hub such as Charlotte, not face as much risk by entering a small, rural market. If the flying public and the $2.3 million from the EAS doesn’t meet the costs of a major carrier, then the minimum revenue guarantee would be tapped into. Bridgeport was the first government entity approached.
In the days and weeks ahead, Rock will be visiting other entities. The City of Clarksburg, as well as the airport’s two owners – the 
Harrison and Marion County Commissions – would also be asked. He also anticipates assistance from the Mid-Atlantic Aerospace Complex (MAAC) and the Harrison County Development Authority, among others.
Harrison and Marion County Commissions – would also be asked. He also anticipates assistance from the Mid-Atlantic Aerospace Complex (MAAC) and the Harrison County Development Authority, among others.
“We’re going to ask beyond those groups to various other counties as well,” said Rock. “We see the possibility of being able to land a major carrier as a benefit to the entire North Central West Virginia region.”
Council members did not seem put off by the request. In fact, it will likely be added to the next Council meeting’s agenda for either formal action or the first step in formal action on Feb. 22. Rock said he needs to have commitments of up to $1 million by April 1 when the U.S. Department of Transportation will be soliciting proposals on behalf of the airport.
The current EAS contract is with Silver Airlines. That service expires Sept. 30. It currently is the only daily flight service provider and it flies into Washington Dulles International Airport. At multiple Airport Authority meetings, problems with Silver’s service is frequently brought up.
Bridgeport agreed to a minimum revenue guarantee before, Mayor Robert “Bob” Greer said. According to Greer, several of the 
aforementioned entities were involved, but the air service that it would be utilized for never came to fruition and City Attorney Dean Ramsey, who also serves as counsel for the Airport Authority, said the money was refunded.
aforementioned entities were involved, but the air service that it would be utilized for never came to fruition and City Attorney Dean Ramsey, who also serves as counsel for the Airport Authority, said the money was refunded.
“(Council Member) Diana (Marra) and I did some rough math and we think Bridgeport’s contribution should be in the $150,000 range,” he said, depending on what is discussed in the weeks ahead.
Greer, who also sits on the Airport Authority, has echoed Rock’s comments about getting a better daily flight service provider. They believe if that happens and the service goes to a major hub, the flights will be filled.
“I think we can easily add 15,000 to 20,000 passengers with reliable service to a major hub,” said Rock. “If we do that, I think the airline will be making money.”
In other words, the minimum revenue guarantee would not be needed.
In other business this evening, the Bridgeport City Council:
- Backed the recommendation of the Planning Commission not to rezone a near half acre residential parcel to Business-Professional Office (BPO) along Johnson Avenue. The property currently has a house sitting on it and abuts homes on Kembery Drive, of which residents have voiced their disdain for the proposal.
- Presented a proclamation to Bridgeport High School football Coach Josh Nicewarner on the Indians’ third straight state football championship. A handful of players and coaches Jason Nicewarner and John Cole were on hand for the presentation. Multiple players of the football team were competing this evening in a boys basketball game.
- Was asked by Clarksburg Mission Director Chris Mullett to open a dialogue on how the City of Bridgeport could assist their facility. Mullett said Bridgeport Police currently bring homeless individuals from this area to their location in the Glen Elk section of Clarksburg. The ever-growing Mission, which also focuses on rehabilitating individuals and job placement among multiple other initiatives, will house 95 men, women and children this evening, said Mullett. Mullett will be meeting with City Manager Kim Haws, Greer and City Recorder Dr. Hank Murray to see if any assistance can be provided.
- Reappointed Rod Smallridge to a three-year term on the Bridgeport Zoning Appeals Board.
- Approved the bid of Casto Technical of $75,405 for a new chiller – air conditioning – system at the Benedum Civic Center. The current system was installed in 1990. Casto’s was the low bid of three bids received.
- Approved a change recommendation from the Fire Civil Service Commission requested by Pete Conley. Conley said due to high eligibility requirements, only two individuals were eligible to be hired for openings during the last round of testing. He pointed to applicants needing to have Fire Fighter 2 status as the reason for that. Conley suggested, and Council approved, that applicants successfully having all the other requirements could be hired and then be given 30 days to receive that status – through in-house training – and would then be considered hired.
Editor's Note: Top photo show NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock addressing Bridgeport City Council, while Council member John Wilson, right and City Recorder Dr. Harry M. "Hank" Murray are shown in the second photo. Mayor Bob Greer and Council member Diana Marra are shown below.
