By Erin Beck
Exponent-Telegram
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — North Central West Virginia Airport has topped 10,000 enplanements for the calendar year, qualifying it as a primary airport eligible for $1 million in Airport Improvement Program funds.
The Federal Aviation Administration distributes the funds for airport planning and development.
“It will probably be maintenance and improving our infrastructure — just probably to maintain the ramps, aprons and terminal,” Airport Director Rick Rock said.
This was the first time in years the airport didn’t entice customers with charter flights to hit the 10,000 enplanements mark, according to Airport Authority President Ron Watson.
“We don’t need to,” he said.
Eliminating charter flights this year created a cost savings of $150,00-$200,000 for the airport, according to Watson.
He credited both Allegiant Air flights and Big 12 Conference flights for giving the airport the boost it needed.
Since WVU joined the Big 12 last year, Mountaineer opponents have flown out of North Central West Virginia Airport.
Big 12 teams fly in bigger planes that require a longer runway, so the Morgantown airport isn’t an option, Watson said.
Another boost came in November when Allegiant Air began offering flights to Florida from November through April.
The airport recently began booking flights for Florida through Aug. 12 as well…
