businesses as well as companies looking to locate in the Mountain State,” says Nicolas Diehl, president of the West Virginia Airport Managers Association and CEO of the Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport.“ It is also an important quality of life indicated for our residents and those who may be considering relocating to Almost Heaven.”
West Virginia’ s 27 airports contribute significantly to the state’ s economy, supporting nearly 12,000 jobs and generating more than $ 3.5 billion in economic impact. Beyond travel, the aviation industry also strengthens aviation education through multiple growing flight schools and serves as a training location for the military, including being the home base for the West Virginia Air National Guard.
Infrastructure improvements are underway at nearly every airport in the state, with funding primarily coming from the Federal Aviation Administration’ s Airport Improvement Program, supplemented by state, public and private contributions.
One notable project is the renovation of West Virginia International Yeager Airport( CRW).
“ CRW is undergoing a terminal development project called CRW Next, which involves significant upgrades to improve passenger experience, streamline security and enhance operational efficiency,” says Andrew Gunnoe, chief development officer and assistant director at CRW.“ CRW is simultaneously undertaking a General Aviation Apron Expansion. A $ 5.1 million project to expand the general aviation apron is underway, aiming to improve operational capacity and support increased aviation activities.”
CRW is not the only airport expanding. North Central West Virginia Airport is nearing completion of a $ 54 million terminal expansion, including a new terminal building, expanded land and modernized facilities. Morgantown Municipal Airport is also in the midst of a runway extension project that will lengthen the runway to 6,200 feet. Diehl says this will allow for larger aircraft and increased flight options.
With continued investment in modernization and expansion, aviation infrastructure projects will promote growth, travel and overall economic well-being in the state.
Housing
People are the driving forces behind economic progress, and those people need adequate, affordable places to live. Housing infrastructure is essential in fostering a resilient, dedicated workforce.
As barriers to new housing, like broadband and water, are being addressed, many exciting projects are taking place to improve housing.
“ The Putnam County Development Authority is developing more than 600 new homes in Hurricane and Fraziers Bottom,” says Kevin Roberts, president of the Home Builders Association of West Virginia.“ Heritage Housing, an affordable housing developer, renovated Chapmanville Towers in Chapmanville, and a housing project in Rupert is being completed.”
These are three of the many housing projects occurring throughout the state, yet it still faces affordable housing shortages. To assuage this hurdle, West Virginia has a plan.
“ The state is offering several incentives for contractors and developers to produce developments such as tax incentives and infrastructure rebates,” says Roberts.“ The state has launched a program called BUILD WV, which offers several incentives. These include a sales tax exemption on the purchase of building materials, tangible personal property and services directly used in the construction of a certified BUILD WV project by a construction contractor or subcontractor. There is also a Property Value Adjustment Credit, which can be applied against the personal or corporate income tax of the eligible taxpayer. Additionally, there is the potential for a business and occupation tax exemption, which is determined by individual municipalities or authorities through an ordinance.”
Between the ongoing housing projects and strategic incentives, West Virginia is working to meet the growing demand for affordable housing. The state needs the essential infrastructure to not only survive but thrive and create economic prosperity for the Mountain State and its people. •
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