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

State officials announce over $400K in grants for West Virginia airports

CHARLESTON – Gov. Jim Justice and leaders with the West Virginia Aeronautics Commission announced today that a combined total of $444,063 in grant funding has been secured for airports across the state. The grants were approved during the WVAC’s latest meeting on Thursday.

“As I’ve said over and over, our airports are so important to our state, and we need to keep doing everything we can to support them in every way,” Gov. Justice said. “I am proud that these dollars will do just that, and I commend the Aeronautics Commission for awarding them so quickly.”

Two airports will receive grants from Special Revenue, provided by the Aviation Fuel Tax, to provide a portion of the local match for additional Federal Aviation Administration Grants:

  • Huntington, Tri-State Airport will receive $3,293 from the WVAC to rehabilitate the airport’s runway safety area.
  • Greater Cumberland Regional Airport will receive $15,770 from the WVAC to go towards projects to rehabilitate runway 5-23.
  • The combined WVAC grant total on these projects is $19,063 and opens up access to over $343,000 more in funding from the FAA. 

Twenty-four airports will receive General Revenue grants of $12,500 each that combine for a total of $300,000.  These grants go towards safety and infrastructure upgrades. 

In addition to airport funding, $125,000 in funds were awarded towards Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) training for airport first responders. 

A recently commissioned economic impact study of West Virginia’s aviation industry identified 10,729 jobs and over $1.63 billion in business revenue attributed to airport activity.  

“The investments the state has made in our airport system is paying off exponentially,” West Virginia Aeronautics Director Sean Hill said. “Before our impact study was even conceived, Gov. Justice recognized the importance of West Virginia’s air infrastructure. I greatly appreciate his continued support of our airports.”

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon City Council weighs options for spending $351,000 carryover

Buckhannon City Council will hold a special meeting July 15 to discuss how to allocate $351,000 of a $1.1 million budget carryover.

Buckhannon Sanitary Board Agenda: July 17, 2025

The Buckhannon Sanitary Board has released the agenda for its upcoming meeting on July 17, 2025.
Summer basketball

Summer league basketball wraps up week two

Week two of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League concluded with standout scoring performances and multiple games, including two forfeits by Country Roads Physical Therapy.

City council to review water board’s recommendation for new water treatment plant

The Buckhannon Water Board has recommended moving forward with a new water treatment plant and related infrastructure upgrades, sending a proposal to the city council for approval.

Gail Lovel Zickefoose

Gail L. Zickefoose, a dedicated educator, community leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at age 83 after a long illness, leaving a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to others.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council released the agenda for its upcoming July 15, 2025, meeting.

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.