Pierpont Community & Technical College's ambitious $25 million aviation maintenance facility has yet to break ground, despite funding being allocated by the West Virginia legislature in August 2023. The delay has raised concerns among local leaders, including Airport Authority President David Hinkle and Board Member Michael Romano, who attribute the holdup to the West Virginia Economic Development Agency (WVEDA), which is tasked with land acquisition and construction [652ecef7]. The new facility is expected to boost student capacity from 130 to 200, but design planning is currently stalled at 60-70% completion [652ecef7].
The aviation sector plays a significant role in the region's economy, contributing approximately $1.2 billion. However, the ongoing delays are resulting in job losses as companies are forced to turn away work due to a lack of trained personnel [652ecef7]. Senator-elect Joey Garcia has emphasized the urgency of moving forward with the project, while Romano has raised concerns that Pierpont's plans may exceed the allocated budget [652ecef7]. Hinkle further noted that the WVEDA has yet to execute the necessary contracts for land purchase and construction, exacerbating the situation [652ecef7].