Morgantown Advances Runway Extension with New Contracts

The city of Morgantown is making significant strides in its runway extension project, with plans to reach a key milestone by March 2026. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the state of West Virginia, and the city are collaborating to move forward with Phase 5 of this extensive project. Recently, the Morgantown City Council awarded a contract worth $8,672,807.50 to Mountaineer Infrastructure, based in Dry Fork, to commence work in October.

This phase is anticipated to take approximately 350 days to complete. In addition to the contract approval, the council also accepted a $250,000 grant from the West Virginia Division of Multimodal Transportation and Facilities, which will be matched by another $250,000 from the city. These funds will be combined with a substantial $9.5 million FAA grant designated for Phase 5.

Continuing Development and Future Phases

Airport Director Jon Vrabel explained that Phase 5 will build on the work already in progress. In September, a contract for Phase 4 was awarded to Cast & Baker of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, totaling $9.1 million. This phase includes the culverting of a tributary that flows into Wolfe Run Creek.

“Phase 4 is focused on encapsulating the stream and constructing minimal embankment on top of it,” Vrabel stated. “Phase 5 will raise the embankment further and prepare for a retaining wall near Wolfe Run Road, which will be constructed in Phase 6.”

Much of the rock required for the upcoming construction phases is currently stored at the site of the future I-68 Commerce Park. Clearing this material is a prerequisite for starting work on the park, which Vrabel estimates will begin in just over a year. The approximately 54-acre commerce park is part of a larger 90-acre tract owned by the Monongalia County Development Authority.

Long-Term Vision and Economic Impact

The runway extension is considered one of the most critical initiatives undertaken by Morgantown. It is expected to enhance the city’s infrastructure significantly. The commerce park, once completed, is projected to be the largest development project in Morgantown’s history.

The city is also anticipating the establishment of a new tax increment financing (TIF) district to fund the park’s development, as well as ongoing capital investments in the airport. Initially estimated as a five-phase project costing around $50 million, the runway extension could now require between eight to ten phases and exceed $62 million in total costs. By the completion of Phase 5, the project will be approximately 45% complete, marking five years since construction first began.

The runway extension will ultimately enhance transportation capabilities and is vital for the region’s economic growth. As federal funding plays a crucial role, the completion timeline is projected between 2028 and 2030.