Dec. 18--BECKLEY -- With anticipation of growth, development and the arrival of the Boy Scouts just around the corner, the Raleigh County Memorial Airport is preparing for the extra traffic.

Not only are highways being improved with the Z-Way, but Airport Manager Tom Cochran says an air traffic control tower and ramp expansion are in development as well.

The air traffic control tower is "an ongoing project." It will be funded by the Federal Aviation Administration, as long as the airport meets FAA criteria.

Cochran says criteria include the number of ongoing activities, operations and a benefit cost analysis, which has already been completed.

A consulting engineer has been added to the airport staff in order to assist with the acquisition of funding.

During early projections, the estimated cost of the control tower was $2.5 million. However, Cochran says that the tower will sit in an area where the infrastructure is already in place, bringing the estimated cost down to $1.7 million.

"It is a vital part of the operations here at the airport," Cochran said. "We just have to get in line. There are places around the country that want the same things we want. But with the Boy Scouts coming and the expected additional traffic, it's even more needed that we get this tower and have the safety elements in place."

If everything goes accordingly, Cochran hopes to see the tower operational in 2013. He says when the tower is in place, the airport will be able to open up to a different type of corporate aviation business. The corporate aviation businesses will not come into an uncontrolled air space -- the tower would solve this problem.

The tower will also create construction jobs.

"The airport is aggressively looking toward different types of aviation businesses, which would bring more activity such as manufacturing, maintenance and cargo," Cochran said. This type of growth would bring further employment opportunities to the area.

Another project currently in development is a ramp expansion, allowing additional parking for larger airplanes.

Cochran said this FAA- funded project is estimated around $2 million and construction is set to begin in spring 2012.

He says the number of passengers is up by 5 to 10 percent from last year, but they are still not what he would like to see.

Ideally, the airport would see 10,000 passengers a year.

"I see the numbers progressively getting better and that's again due to the growth of our area and what is projected by the Boy Scouts operation."

With the anticipated influx of passengers, charter availability is being discussed with the air carrier. Cochran hopes to see additional airplanes available prior to the Boy Scout Jamboree in 2013.

"It is something else we think will be positive for the airport and our area."

The construction of the Z-Way highway will also benefit the airport.

The East Beckley Bypass has recently been opened and Cochran said he has heard positive feedback.

"It certainly assists this side of town, being able to access the shopping retail area," Cochran said. He says the real benefits of the highway project will be seen by residents, who will be relieved from traffic congestion around Beaver and Shady Spring.

Rush hour traffic, as well as winter weather conditions, make these roads unmanageable at times, according to Cochran.

"It's all about getting in and out and around Beckley."

Construction has not begun on the portion of road that will most directly affect the airport, the airport road upgrade connector.

The same two-lane road that was constructed when the airport opened in 1952 is still in use.

Not only the airport will benefit from this section of the Z-Way, but also the federal prison and the mine academy.

"The highway system and the interstates are a part of the infrastructure that helps support the whole area," Cochran said. "They've been a very positive opportunity for us to see growth to the rest of the country, to give access in and out. That's very vital to our area and to our future."

Cochran said he is thankful for the support of our congressional people who help maintain funding for the airport and added, "Everything we do is a part of our overall masterplan of the airport for future growth."

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Copyright 2011 - The Register-Herald, Beckley, W.Va.