WASHINGTON (WV News) — Two airports in West Virginia are set to receive federal funding to aid in projects to upgrade terminals.
Raleigh County Memorial Airport in Beckley and West Virginia International Yeager Airport in Charleston will each receive $1 million through the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Terminal Program, which was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
At Raleigh, funding will be used to expand the airport terminal to accommodate a 50 seat hold room, accessible restrooms and several sustainable design concepts to promote energy efficiency.
At Yeager, funding will be used to upgrade the airport terminal, including improving ADA compliance and installing a new roof.
The funding allocation was jointly announced Monday by West Virginia's U.S. senators, Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito, both of whom serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee.
“I am pleased (the U.S. Department of Transportation) is investing $2 million through our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve safety and efficiency at the Raleigh County Memorial Airport and the Yeager Airport in Charleston,” Manchin said. “The funding announced today will help upgrade and improve the airport terminals, including making the facilities more accessible for all West Virginians and Americans traveling to and within our great state.
"West Virginia’s airports are our gateway to the rest of the world, and these investments will boost local tourism and spur economic development. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for resources to support transportation hubs across the Mountain State.”
Capito also praised the decision, noting the many benefits the improvements will have for the Mountain State and its residents.
“I am happy to see that the DOT is funding these projects at both Yeager and Raleigh County Airports,” Capito said. “The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has provided West Virginia the resources to improve our airports to make sure they are safer, more efficient, and more passenger-friendly for everyone who visits the Mountain State.
"These investments will go a long way in making the travel experience more efficient, safe, and accessible in West Virginia, while also helping to encourage more visitors that will ultimately invest in our state.”