$8.3 Million Infrastructure Investment to Support Growth in General Aviation, Corporate, and Military Operations

West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 10:30 AM to mark the launch of its General Aviation Apron Expansion Project. The event will be held on Eagle Mountain Road near CRW’s general aviation facilities.

This $8.3 million initiative will expand the airport’s general aviation apron by more than 185,000 square feet. Designed to address increased demand, the project will improve operations and efficiency across the general aviation area, supporting a wide range of users such as private and corporate aircraft, military training missions, and Marshall University’s Bill Noe Flight School. It will also enhance safety and environmental sustainability on the airfield.
CRW’s Airport Director and CEO Dominique Ranieri called the project a major step forward. “This expansion is an essential investment in our airport’s future,” said Ranieri. “It strengthens our ability to serve a wide range of users, from military units and emergency responders to general aviation and corporate travelers, while creating jobs and improving long-term safety.”

CRW’s Airport Director and CEO Dominique Ranieri called the project a major step forward.

“This expansion is an essential investment in our airport’s future,” said Ranieri. “It strengthens our ability to serve a wide range of users, from military units and emergency responders to general aviation and corporate travelers, while creating jobs and improving long-term safety.”

In addition to expanding apron capacity, the project will update airfield signage and pavement markings, install a modern underground stormwater detention system, and relocate key FAA communications cable infrastructure. The new stormwater system is engineered to reduce peak flow rates by up to 75 percent, significantly enhancing environmental sustainability.

Funding includes $7.7 million in FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) support, with contributions from FY22 Congressional Directed Spending ($3.12 million), FY23 FAA Supplemental Discretionary funds ($1.5 million), and CRW’s entitlement funds ($2.7 million). Additional support includes $344,000 from the Governor’s Community Project CDS Matching Fund and $140,000 from the West Virginia Department of Transportation’s Multimodal AIP Matching Grant program.
CRW recorded more than 59,000 aircraft operations in 2022, spanning civil, military, and general aviation activity. This expansion will ease congestion and improve maneuverability to accommodate continued growth. According to a recent study by West Virginia University and the West Virginia Aeronautics Commission, CRW supports nearly 3,000 jobs and contributes more than $225 million annually to the state’s economy.

Community and State Leaders Applaud the Investment

“Today’s groundbreaking at Yeager International Airport is a huge win for West Virginia. During my time as Governor, I made it a priority to support this project because I knew it was an investment that would pay big dividends for our state. Through Yeager’s expansion, we’re supercharging our economy, welcoming even more visitors, and putting West Virginia on the map as a place where opportunity takes flight. As your Senator, I’m all in on making sure projects like this don’t just get off the ground—they soar,” said Senator Jim Justice.

“As a member of the airport board, commissioner, and frequent airline passenger, I am excited about the expansion of the General Aviation Apron,” said Kanawha County Commission President Ben Salango. “This project will alleviate congestion at the airport and enhance safety throughout the airfield. The growth of our local airport is a positive development for the entire state.”

“It’s wonderful to see dozens of new jobs for West Virginians through the construction and paving work with this project,” added Commissioner Lance Wheeler. “CRW is a huge piece of our local economy, and these new jobs will support many families right here in the Mountain State.”

“CRW is a busy airport, servicing thousands of people each year,” said Commissioner Natalie Tennant. “These upgrades are necessary to promote growth and expansion for years to come.”

CRW recorded more than 59,000 aircraft operations in 2022, spanning civil, military, and general aviation activity. This expansion will ease congestion and improve maneuverability to accommodate continued growth. According to a recent study by West Virginia University and the West Virginia Aeronautics Commission, CRW supports nearly 3,000 jobs and contributes more than $225 million annually to the state’s economy.

The project will employ 48 construction workers from Landcore Builders of Milton, West Virginia, the project’s prime contractor, and nine subcontracting firms, totaling more than 12,900 labor hours. Paving services will be handled by West Virginia Paving, with engineering and design led by HDR Engineering and Airport Design Consultants, Inc.