Manchin Announces North Central Regional Aerotech Business Park Can Begin Construction

Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released the final Environmental Assessment for the North Central Regional Airport and found that there will be no significant impact from the new aerotech business park project. This approval allows the construction of the business park to begin, which is estimated to create more than 1,000 jobs and double the annual economic impact of the airport to over $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.”

 

“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 Richard B. Rock, Airport Director, North Central West Virginia Regional Airport.

 

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 commercial runway in the state.

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.