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Beaver, W.Va. (August 21, 2023) – U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin and West Virginia Secretary of Economic Development Mitch Carmichael joined local leaders – including Raleigh County Memorial Airport (RCMA) manager Tom Cochran – in breaking ground for the 105-acre economic development expansion.
Jina Belcher, executive director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), shared her perspective: “A community’s airport is a driver of its well-being and economic development potential, and today’s celebration of its expansion for the recruitment of aviation and aerospace manufacturers is a bold step in the right direction.”
“As a pilot myself, I know firsthand how essential regional airports are to the quality of life and economic strength and safety of the community,” said Senator Manchin. “The expansion at Raleigh County Memorial Airport will provide local businesses with access to new markets, as well as help retain and attract businesses to the community, including West Virginia’s growing aerospace industry. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I am proud to have secured $4.5 million in federal investment for this project, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact the expansion will have on job growth and economic prosperity in the region.”
West Virginia Secretary of Economic Development Mitch Carmichael said the state is experiencing an “economic renaissance.” He said more and more companies are interested in relocating here. “We need additional site-ready locations to accommodate this growth” he said. “This place (RCMA industrial site) is ideal for our economic development vision.”
Long-time airport manager Cochran said, “It’s not just me — this is a 25-year-old project that took years of character development. It really came together when Jina Belcher at NRGRDA came on board to move it forward. This project offers hope, prosperity, and diversity. It’s a stepping stone for more opportunities, including other parts of the airport that can be developed along the way.”
Manchin, Carmichael, Cochran and Belcher led the 10 a.m. private groundbreaking on the site of one of the first pads being prepared for new jobs by contractor A.L.L. Construction, Inc., of Mount Storm, W.Va. Afterwards, they returned to the airport terminal for a public reception and remarks.
Belcher said the Raleigh County Memorial Airport is a major aviation and economic development hub for southern West Virginia. She said the improvements at the airport — a new 105 acres ideal for economic development, and the new aviation maintenance training program at New River Community and Technical College — make the New River Gorge region ideal for aerospace and cargo businesses and jobs. A training hangar for the college’s aviation maintenance program will be located adjacent to the airport.
Local, state and federal financing contributed to the $10.4 million economic development project. Major funding sources include:
“The airport is poised for a major influx of new businesses and increased air travel thanks to the leadership of our long-time airport manager Tom Cochran and the infusion of multiple sources of funding to create site-ready land to recruit aerospace and cargo firms,” said Belcher.
“Raleigh County Memorial Airport has ample land and infrastructure to attract aerospace industry businesses to southern West Virginia,” Belcher added. “The airport is located three miles east of Beckley and about 30 minutes from the Virginia border, offering daily commercial flights as well as private and charter options. In addition, RCMA is open 24 hours a day, employs 12 people, features two runways and two industrial parks, and is located near three interstate highways. The airport is only one mile from the convergence of I-64 and I-77, and one hour from I-81.”
Belcher added that the region, which is home to West Virginia Institute of Technology and New River Community and Technical College, offers two- and four-year academic programs as well
as an abundant labor supply for companies seeking new or expanded facilities. She said, “these training and education opportunities were part of the reason we were awarded the AEROReady Community Certification, enhancing workforce potential in seven counties.” Those counties include Raleigh, Fayette, Summers, Nicholas, Wyoming, Mercer, and McDowell.
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