No Miranda Lambert or Jay-Z, but NCWV Airport Has Visitor Last Week with Possible Huge Implications
By Jeff Toquinto on January 21, 2015
- Named its new officers for 2015. Watson will remain as president with Marion County Commissioner Ernie VanGilder as vice president. Dean Ramsey will maintain his role as secretary, while Rock will continue to serve as treasurer. Four commissioners – two each from Marion and Harrison counties – will be joined by former Bridgeport Mayor Jim Christie on the airport’s executive committee.
- Heard from Donald Trisel, the interim dean for the College of Science and Technology at Fairmont State University about creating partnerships, internships and other opportunities with the airport. Trisel touted FSU’s flight training program.
- Listened to a presentation from Kayla Grant representing the SpringHill and TownPlace Suites by Marriott that is in Bridgeport. She gave an overview of both properties, including the soon-to-open SpringHill Suites.
- Was told by Rock that the enplanement numbers from 2014 were “one of the best years since 1980.” The airport unofficially had 22,765 people fly out of Bridgeport last year. The number still has to be certified by the FAA.
- Heard a report on various initiatives and updates from Tom Stose, who is the director of the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center.
NCWV has a long way to go to be a medium size passenger airport. First step was building a longer runway. A new terminal and parking facility is much needed. I am so surprised that the big 12 teams choose to land at NCWV, instead of PIT International, and bus to Morgantown. NCWV right now does not have the facilities, fire protection or infrastructure to become a jet airport. Even the Tower and approach control is in the dark ages in ways of equipment. Not Harrison County or Airport authority fault its the FAA's fault. You need someone who knows the Aviation Industry if you want to get this Airport into the 21 Century. The members you have on the Authority now, while their intentions may be good, really have no idea about the Aviation Industry or what it takes to make NCWV a first class airport.
Posted by Tim Casten
Jan. 22, 2015 at 11:20 AM EST
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