Manchin, Capito Announce More Than $5 Million For Yeager Airport Runway Safety Project

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $5,057,961 from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to the Central West Virginia Regional Airport Authority at Yeager Airport. This funding will be used to conduct an Environmental Impact Study of the proposed Yeager Airport Runway Safety Project to expand the airport runway safety area.

 

“Yeager Airport serves a critical role in driving economic development throughout the entire state of West Virginia. This investment from the FAA is welcomed news and an important step towards the continued expansion of Yeager Airport,” said Senator Manchin.

 

“It is great news that Yeager Airport is receiving this funding to conduct an environmental impact study ahead of their runway safety project,” Senator Capito said. “As our state’s largest airport, it’s important that Yeager Airport has the facilities and resources needed to handle the volume of travelers that come through every day while providing the opportunity to grow. Today’s announcement is encouraging for Charleston, the surrounding communities, frequent travelers though Yeager Airport, and the entire state of West Virginia.”

 

“The EIS grant is a major step forward to realize the airport’s goal of increased runway safety areas as well as the significant economic impact it will have on the state. This project will ensure any effects on Coonskin Park can be properly mitigated and the park will receive a benefit before any further action is taken,” said Nick Keller, CEO and Airport Director of Yeager Airport.

In March of 2020, Senators Manchin and Capito, along with U.S. Representatives Alex Mooney (WV-02) and Carol Miller (WV-03) sent a letter to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Stephen Dickson to show support for the proposed runway extension at Yeager Airport.