Briddgeport, West Virginia. (May 30, 2015) –When North Central West Virginia Airport Director Rick Rock told members of the airport’s governing body – the Benedum Airport Authority – that nearly $1 million in renovations to the terminal building would catch one’s eye, he wasn’t stretching the truth. The once drab building is now a bit of a showpiece for the airport.
“It’s great because it’s eye catching,” said Rock. “To me it looks great and to see people come in here and know that it’s not just something that looks good, but improves the function of the building is a big deal.”
The big deal came with a price tag of nearly $1 million. After some additional change orders were added, the total project cost was roughly $977,000. Airport Improvement Project (AIP) dollars that are awarded through the FAA for reaching 10,000 passengers annually covered the cost of the project. The dollars have to be used on airport improvements. Lombardi Construction Company out of Follansbee was the contractor.
“These improvements are definitely something we needed to see happen,” said Rock. “Our terminal is something we can all be proud of. What was done definitely meets my expectations of what I wanted it to look like.”
The most visible look is the new canopy over the main entrance. Prior to the new canopy, buses or other large vehicles could not fit under the canopy, which was problematic for large groups unloading in bad weather. The new canopy is not only functional, but is done in a silver finish with a large “North Central West Virginia Airport” sign that lights up on top.
On the right side of the building – for those approaching the airport via the Route 50 entrance – there is another lit up sign. Those heading that way will see a large “CKB Terminal” sign. CKB are the FAA call letters for the airport.
Along with that change, windows were replaced for energy efficiency and a flat rubber roof on parts of the building were upgraded and improved. Also, the daily parking lot to the left of the terminal building that had long been gravel is now paved and marked.
The only thing that wasn’t done was the upgrade of the baggage carousel. That was eliminated to allow for other improvements on the building Rock said was built in the 1960s.
Nicole Jones, EI a staff engineer with the Thrasher Group, briefed the Authority at the most recent meeting. She said that the project was essentially complete.
The airport will celebrate the renovations with a ribbon-cutting ceremony June at 3 p.m. The ceremony will coincide with the inaugural Allegiant flight service to Myrtle Beach.
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