Morgantown announces runway extension project

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Federal Aviation Administration has given final approval for the extension of the Morgantown Airport Runway.

Under the plan, the runway will stretch another 1,000 feet from the current 5,199 feet.  Currently, the Morgantown Airport runway is one of the shortest in the state.

The project will cost $50 million and take up to 10 years to complete.  The federal government could  absorb up to 95 percent of the cost, while Morgantown and the State of West Virginia will fund the rest.

The project also includes the construction of an adjacent commerce park.

Airport Director Jonathan Vrabel said the project design is complete, and the construction will happen in phases as the federal money is released.

Construction is expected to begin in fall 2020.