During a three-plus hour strategic planning meeting by the Benedum Airport Authority, there were several interesting items that were discussed for the future. Few of the items, however, had as big a price tag as the possibility of constructing a new terminal building at the North Central West Virginia Airport.

 

NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock gauged the interest of the Authority – the airport’s governing body – during the session today inside the existing Benedum Terminal Building. While there was interest, there was no formal action taken on a proposal that could end up costing between $20 million and $24 million depending on where the new terminal would be constructed.

 

“In a perfect scenario, we would have a new terminal off of (State Route) 279,” said Rock. “There’s space available there and we could expand as well.”

 

Authority member Roger Diaz agreed that the 279 site would be ideal. Not only is there acreage available directly beside the runway areas, but he said it would be beneficial for the customers.

 

“There is such ease of coming into Bridgeport and going directly off of 279 to the terminal as opposed to getting off the interstate, then 279 and then going up (131) to get to the terminal building in most cases,” said Diaz.

 

Diaz, however, said that anything done if the process moves forward would have to include a major breakdown of what that $20 to $24 million price tag includes. He said making sure things such as a tarmac and other things that are needed.

 

Rock said along with looking at building on State Route 279, there is also discussion of building near the existing terminal. Rock said that option does not include renovating the existing structure.

“Potentially, we would remove this building with the purpose of building back further and creating more ramp space, which is the ability to park transient aircraft as they come in to do business,” said Rock. “ … With this area and moving it back, you run into an issue with parking. You would have to look at a multi-level of a parking facility.”

 

While the matter was once again just discussed, it’s not necessarily a “pie in the sky” concept. Already, Thrasher has done drawings and come up with preliminary prices, particularly on the location along State Route 279 or Jerry Dove Drive. Authority President Ron Watson said it’s something to keep in front of their group, particularly as growth continues.

 

As for funding, that’s another matter entirely. Rock did say a portion of the costs could be covered with the AIP (Airport Improvement Projects) funding it has been receiving annually from the FAA at $1 million for having more than 10,000 passengers each year.

 

Several other items were also discussed, including a lengthy debate on the future of T-hangars at the airport. 

 

Editor's Note: Top photo show NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock looking at site drawings of a potential new terminal bulding on State Route 279 with Authority member Roger Diaz, while Authority members Robert "Bob" Greer, left, and Randy Kerns look over the same drawing in the second photo. In the next to last picture, Robert "Buck" Thompson addresses the group, while the Thrasher Group's drawing is shown just above at the bottom.