What happens when thing are going well at your business? If you happen to be the North Central West Virginia Airport, then you make some upgrades and renovations of the near seven-figure variety.

 

With things going as well as they have since the 9/11 attack, the local airport is doing its best to deliver on its promise to make the customer experience the best it can be. To that end, the terminal and the property surrounding it are in the embryonic stage of a near $1 million upgrade.

 

NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock said the airport recently awarded a $942,000 contract to Lombardi Construction Company out of Follansbee to do several projects designed by the Thrasher Group that he hopes will enhance customer satisfaction and improve operations and appearance. The money being used is from the Airport Improvement Projects (AIP) money awarded to the airport for having 10,000 passengers fly out of Bridgeport on an annual basis.

 

“I think once this is complete, you’re going to see a much different looking facility and one that will better serve those utilizing this facility,” said Rock. “The projects were doing are some that are desperately needed and others that we’ve looked at doing for some time.”

 

One of the first ones that should draw the attention of those coming to the airport, particularly those who have been coming to the airport for years, is the paving of the gravel parking area close to the terminal. While meeting its need, the graveled area was a bit out of place next to the massive paved parking areas around the terminal building.

 

“It’s going to be a more appropriate looking amenity when finished. Honestly, that’s something we’ve wanted to do for some time,” said Rock.

 

One that could have a big impact, particularly on large travel groups such as West Virginia University and Big 12 Conference athletic teams, could be the removal and replacement of the existing canopy directly in front of the building. Along with the canopy’s removal, it will lead to a change in the traffic area that can be utilized.

 

“The height increase will actually allow for three lanes of traffic instead of what we have now, which is really a lane and a half to two lanes depending on what’s going through,” said Rock. “It’s going to be extended out to the parking lot to accommodate buses. As it exists now, it’s too low to accommodate buses and if there is bad weather and you’re in a bus that’s a problem.”

 

The terminal building, which Rock said was done in the 1960s, will have windows replaced for energy efficiency. Also, a flat rubber roof on the structure will also be upgraded substantially.

 

“The last thing you want to do is to make all of these upgrades and improvements and then have a roof problem,” said Rock. “We’re going to protect what we’re doing and make sure we can extend the life of the roof, which will extend the life of what we’re doing inside the building.”

 

One of the main interior improvements is the installation of a baggage carousel to replace the one that’s currently in use. The one being operated right now was done from the original design of the building, said Rock.

 

“As we grow, you have to have a better baggage operation than what we currently have,” said Rock. “I don’t know if it will make us change our current procedures because, with (the flight to Orlando through) Allegiant, we move baggage fast. I just think when you tie this in with the new canopy outside everything will become more efficient. We want our travelers to get off the airplane and be heading to the comfort of their home or destination as quickly as possible.”

 

Rock wasn’t sure of the exact timeline for the project, but he did say –as well as airport Engineer Chad Biller with the Thrasher Group – that the hope was to have a lot of the projects done before Allegiant resumed its twice weekly flights to Orlando. However, due to FAA funding delays that wasn’t possible.

 

“We’ll do what we can to make the impact as minimal as possible so that we have a long-term impact,” said Rock. “What we do know is that if you come here and you return when this work is done, you’ll notice the difference. If not, we hope you come and think the place looks great. We really want the community to know what we have to offer and that we believe we’re an important part of this region’s economy.”

 

Count Bridgeport Mayor Bob Greer believes it’s important to the economy. In fact, he said it’s one of the most critical aspects to the city and the region.

 

“The North Central West Virginia Airport is a vital cog to the entire economic infrastructure we have,” said Greer. “When people, when corporations, are looking for places to expand they look at your roads, your schools and your airport accessibility. To see this investment is a good thing.”

 

Greer said the improvements will enhance previous upgrades and make an even better flying experience. That, he said, could continue to help with the increase in usage at the facility.

 

“They’ve built convenience and quality of service into what they offer … I’m not the most frequent flyer, but saving that two-hour drive to Pittsburgh and the hassle of being at an airport two hours early to get through security is something that’s eliminated here,” said Greer. “The current Authority is doing a great job, along with Rick, in making things happen.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows the construction being done on the parking lot near the terminal, while Rick Rock is shown with the existing baggage carousel.