North Central West Virginia Airport to See $30M-Plus Federal Government Project Built on Existing Property
By Jeff Toquinto on September 17, 2025
North Central West Virginia Airport Director Rick Rock announced at Tuesday’s Benedum Airport Authority meeting that a $34 million project is on its way to the facility at the City of Bridgeport.
Rock told those gathered he had been informed that the FAA would be building a new tower on airport property. The news alleviated a multi-year concern that the tower locally could be closed with traffic directed from another tower out of state during potential future budget cuts by the FAA.
“(The FAA) went through a very arduous process and looked at about 12 different locations,” said Rock. “Their number one choice is property right beside EASW (Engine & Airframe Solutions Worldwide). There is about two acres there and it has great site visibility.”
For years, members of the Airport Authority – the airport’s governing body – have discussed concerns about the possibility that the FAA would shut down the airport’s tower. Now the jobs of those working there will be staying and a massive construction project will be arriving. Previous FAA budget cuts led to closures in roughly the past dozen years on at least two occasions and there were temporary closures during COVID.
“That’s a huge win for us,” said Airport Authority President and Harrison County Commissioner David Hinkle.
Authority member Mike Romano echoed Hinkle’s comments. He said it should alleviate a long-time concern well into the future.
“I can’t see them building that here and then move the operations to another facility,” Romano told those gathered.
Rock said, after talking to colleagues across the country he deals with, that others are envious knowing that the airport’s FAA tower presence in Bridgeport appears to be secured long term.
“We’ve been placed on their list, but we haven’t been given a timeline or a schedule,” said Rock, who added that it will not happen for sure this calendar year. “… This protects those federal jobs of people who do very important work managing our local airspace.”
Rock said had the tower been closed in Bridgeport that the local duties would have shifted to FAA Cleveland Air Route Traffic Control Center, which is in Oberlin, Ohio. It is about 30 miles from Cleveland.
Also Tuesday, Hinkle welcomed new Bridgeport Mayor Robert G. Matheny to the Authority. Matheny fills the spot held by former Mayor Andy Lang. Bridgeport has a permanent seat on the Authority.
The Authority also heard that the new multi-million-dollar terminal building is “complete with the exception of some paperwork,” NCWV Deputy Director Shawn Long said. He said the baggage handling system is the last main component and work is about to begin on it.
Mid-Atlantic Aerospace Complex Director Tracy Miller also talked about this Saturday’s Girls in Aviation Day. Miller said they are expecting a big turnout for the event that is open to girls – and boys – under and 18 who are accompanied by an adult. Miller said there were several hundred in attendance last year for the event running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock, right, addressing the Airport Authority as Deputy Director Shawn Long looks on. Second photo is of Authority President David Hinkle, while new member and Bridgeport Mayor Robert Matheny is shown below.
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