As Airport Finalizes Efforts to Receive $20 Million in Funding, Plans for Part of Use of Dollars Revealed
By Jeff Toquinto on August 22, 2019
While details are being finalized on the grant and loan money that Gov. Jim Justice announced would be coming to the North Central West Virginia Airport, one thing took an official step Wednesday during the monthly meeting of the Benedum Airport Authority.
The Authority, the airport’s governing body, signed off on the official name for a business park that will be located on property created by the funds coming in front the state. Authority member and Harrison County Commissioner David Hinkle revealed the name and the logo yesterday.
“This is our logo and branding that we’ll use to go forward,” said Hinkle.
The logo spelled out that the park where a portion of the acreage will be created as the result of the money provided by Justice through the state will be called the North Central West Virginia Aerotech Park.
Hinkle said the logo will be trademarked. Authority Attorney Dean Ramsey said to make sure the item isn’t already being used through the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office. However, he felt if North Central West Virginia was included that it should be okay.
The property will be accessed off State Route 279. However, the land is not planned to have the airport terminal on it that is part of the $20 million plan. The new park, which will all fall under the Benedum Airport Authority, will be a different entity from the airport itself, officials said.
Earlier this month, Justice arrived in Bridgeport to make what he described was a “historic” announcement. The announcement involved 
$20 million to go to the airport in the form of a $10 million grant from the West Virginia Jobs and Infrastructure Council and a $10 million loan from the West Virginia Economic Development Agency.
$20 million to go to the airport in the form of a $10 million grant from the West Virginia Jobs and Infrastructure Council and a $10 million loan from the West Virginia Economic Development Agency.
The money has been promised but hasn’t been formally approved. Justice didn’t seem concerned about it during the press conference and airport officials said they’re doing the legwork to get everything ready for approval and to look for additional funds for what they say is a project that could cost up to $70 million.
“We’re going through all the paperwork necessary to start that process,” said Authority member and Bridgeport Mayor Andy Lang. “Thrasher (Group) is going over design and cost estimates for the project and they’re going to apply for some additional funding through some other agencies. We don’t have that all figure out yet, but we’re coming up with ideas.”
Ramsey said before projects are given funding through a loan a “letter of conditions” is received by the party to which the funds will be received. Airport Executive Director Rick Rock said that’s being worked on. Ramsey also said a grant comes with what is entailed in it and restrictions. Rock said that was also being prepared.
More from this meeting later on Connect-Bridgeport.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Authority member David Hinkle talking about the new "Aerotech Park" and the accompanying logo, while Bridgeport Mayor and Authority member Andy Lang is shown pointing out to members where the park will be located.
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