All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Gov. Justice requests funding to jump-start multimillion-dollar project to enhance and develop North Central West Virginia Airport area

Gov Jim Justice
Gov Jim Justice

BRIDGEPORT, WV – Gov. Jim Justice announced today that he has requested $20 million needed for work to take off on a historic infrastructure project at North Central West Virginia Airport in Bridgeport, to enhance the airport itself, while also developing sections of nearby land.

“I couldn’t be any more excited about any project, anywhere in the state,” Gov. Justice said. “This will bring thousands and thousands more people to an area that’s already flourishing like crazy and this, right here, is going to do unbelievable things in the future for our great state.”

The Governor made the announcement during a celebratory event at the airport Tuesday afternoon, along with leaders from Harrison and Marion counties, Bridgeport, and the other 20-plus regional partners that work and fly out of the airport every day.

Video and photos of the event will be posted for media download here as they become available

“This is such an unbelievable day. This is the kind of day that a business guy dreams of,” Gov. Justice said. “This project was brought right in my office, by a lot of individuals, and they sat down and said, ‘Governor, here is what we think we can do and we would love to be able to have your participation and we can start this project.’”

The master plan for the overall infrastructure project consists of several phases of work.

The first phase calls for excavation work to build a fresh site for a new terminal that will be located directly off I-279. The terminal will include two jetways and ample parking facilities. It will accommodate any size and type airplane the runway can handle.

The second phase calls for the creation of approximately 50 additional acres of airport space, with direct taxiway access to the airport’s 7,800-foot runway. This will be used for commercial and industrial use.

The third phase calls for the final development of airport property, which will not be accessible to the runway, for additional commercial and industrial use. This will maximize the developable land between I-279 and Route 50 in Harrison County.

“It’s a plan to maximize the potential of the airport,” Gov. Justice said. “Every community’s growth starts with the airport, that’s all there is to it.”

Additional developments going on around the airport include the construction of Benedum Logistics Park, located at the intersection of Route 50 and Route 76 East, as well as the proposed Harrison County Industrial Park, which, when built, would be located on Aviation Way.

“As a business guy, I’ve had lots of opportunities to look at lots of different things,” Gov. Justice said. “This jumped on me faster than anything ever has. It’s just that good.”

For funding, the Governor has requested $10 million from the West Virginia Infrastructure Jobs Development Council to go toward jump-starting the plan. The Department of Commerce will formally request the funds from the IJDC – a body created by the West Virginia Legislature to manage and facilitate funding for infrastructure and other projects – on the Governor’s behalf.

Leaders with the IJDC will review the request and give final approval before the funds can be officially transferred for use on the project.

Gov. Justice has also requested an additional $10 million in the form of a loan from the West Virginia Economic Development Administration. The review process for this request is ongoing as well.

Once secured, these funds would allow for work on this major infrastructure project – with a total price tag of $70 million – to get underway.

“You’re going to have 100 acres of level land within a rock’s throw of the airport and the interstate,” Gov. Justice said. “We want you to be a gateway to our state and I’ll be your number one cheerleader because this is going to be spectacular beyond belief.”

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Moon Flower opens first satellite store at Delmonte Market in Elkins

Moon Flower Hemp, a woman-owned craft cannabis shop, is opening its first satellite location inside Elkins’s Delmonte Market, offering exclusive products, infused drinks, educational support and special perks for early customers.

Buckhannon Community Theatre’s ‘The Lion King Kids’ set to roar at Colonial Arts Center this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present Disney’s The Lion King Kids on June 20 and 21 at the Colonial Arts Center, showcasing young local talent in a family-friendly production directed by Ella McNeish.

Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board Agenda: June 26, 2025

The City of Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board has released the agenda for its upcoming June 26, 2025, meeting.

B-U’s Landon Marple earns All-State baseball honors

Buckhannon-Upshur senior Landon Marple, who led his team in multiple offensive categories, was named to the West Virginia Sports Writers Association Class AAAA All-State Baseball Team as an Honorable Mention.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Kelly Povroznik earns certification in integrative and functional nutrition

Kelly Povroznik, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, has earned certification as an Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner, bringing advanced holistic nutrition expertise to her patients and community.

Upshur County Sheriff Mike Coffman says numerous community complaints led to vape shop raids

Community complaints about Upshur County vape shops selling to minors prompted a months-long investigation that led to multi-agency raids, seizure of $500,000 in illegal products, and an ongoing probe with arrests likely.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for June 19, 2025

Argo Books is launching a community co-op, the Upshur County Library has won a grant for new computer classes, Meals on Wheels needs volunteers, and Fish Hawk Acres has resumed ‘grab & go’ service but paused breakfast.

Weese family legacy burns bright as Brandon coaches Flame 304 to new growth

Brandon Weese is continuing his family’s Buckhannon-Upshur basketball legacy by coaching the Flame 304 girls travel team, which now features players from multiple counties and emphasizes both athletic and personal growth.

Upshur County pool splashes back from repairs, continues busy summer with activities, parties and night swims

After a multi-day closure for repairs, the Upshur County Pool is reopening with a packed summer schedule featuring lessons, parties, night swims, and new event packages, positioning it for one of its busiest seasons yet.