BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – The FAA has released the final Environmental
Assessment for the North Central Regional Airport and has confirmed no
significant impact will result in the construction of the Areotech Business
Park. Now, construction is set to begin on the project that is expected to
create more than 1000 jobs and an annual economic impact of $2 billion.
“The FAA’s announcement on the final Environmental Assessment for the
North Central Regional Airport Aerotech Business Park is fantastic news for the
North Central Regional Airport and our entire state,” said Senator Manchin.
“With the completion of the Environmental Assessment, work can begin on the new
business park as soon as possible. This is the direct result of the tireless
efforts of my staff who have worked with the FAA and the airport to ensure this
process was completed quickly after months of delay. I look forward to the
completion of the new Aerotech Business Park and the growth it will bring for
our regional economy and workforce.”
This project consists of two phases
that will add a new terminal with access to Interstate 279, a new parking
facility and a 100-acre AeroTech Park with direct access to the airport’s
7,800-foot runway, which is the longest runway in the state.
“As we move
towards a post pandemic world, approval of our environmental assessment from the
FAA is extremely gratifying. Without the leadership of Senator Manchin and the
dedication of our team this would not have been possible. Our project will allow
us to expand our aerospace park, create aerospace jobs and build a new, modern
and green terminal that will serve West Virginia for years to come,” said Rick
Rock, Airport Director, North Central West Virginia Regional Airport.
In
October 2020, Senator Manchin wrote to the FAA urging them to quickly respond to
North Central Regional Airport’s application for an Environmental
Assessment.