U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.2 Million for Parking Infrastructure Improvements to Support Job Creation in Bridgeport, West Virginia
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.2 million grant to the Benedum Airport Authority in Bridgeport, West Virginia, for parking infrastructure improvements needed to boost job creation and private investment in the region.
This grant will provide for the construction of four new parking lots that will make available 600 new parking spaces at North Central West Virginia Airport, as well as overhead lighting and stormwater management improvements. This EDA investment will be matched with $795,322 in local funds and is expected to create or retain 265 jobs, and generate $8 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
“The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes that infrastructure is key to expanding economic opportunity across the country – including in Bridgeport,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This investment will improve airport access, supporting the local aviation and tourism industries.”
“The Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support place-based economic growth,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. “This project will provide critical infrastructure improvements to help diversify the regional economy and create jobs in the region.”
“West Virginia’s airports are critical transportation hubs for our residents and visitors and provide good-paying jobs to members of our communities,” said Senator Joe Manchin. “EDA has been a longtime partner of the Mountain State, and this more than $3 million investment will ensure essential improvements can be made to North Central West Virginia Airport and help boost the regional economy. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for resources that enhance our transportation infrastructure and bolster economic development across West Virginia.”
“Supporting our airports and providing the resources they need to grow is an important factor in future development efforts across West Virginia,” said Senator Shelley Moore Capito. “I’m pleased to see this funding heading towards North Central West Virginia Airport, and as Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I will continue to work with EDA to secure investments into our state.”
“The North Central West Virginia Airport is quickly becoming an economic engine in Harrison County,” said Representative Alex X. Mooney (WV-2). “I have had the pleasure to tour many of the businesses in and around the airport. I’m pleased to see this additional federal investment to support the airports growth.”
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.