Middle Peninsula Regional Airport Implementation Project
In 1995, the Middle Peninsula Regional Airport Study Task Force completed the
Lower Middle Peninsula Airport Study, which recommended the use of the West
Point Municipal Airport as the Middle Peninsula Regional Airport. To pursue
the implementation of this recommendation, the Middle Peninsula Regional Airport
Implementation Task Force was formed in July 1996. Funding from each member
locality of the Task Force and from the Virginia Department of Aviation supports
the work of this Task Force. The Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission
provides staff support to this partnering process.
Middle Peninsula Regional Airport Task Force members include Gloucester County,
King and Queen County, King William County, Mathews County, Middlesex County,
New Kent County, and the Town of West Point. The Task Force successfully pursued
enabling legislation, which allows for the creation of the Middle Peninsula
Regional Airport Authority. This legislation was approved by the Virginia General
Assembly, signed by the Governor, and became valid July 1, 1997.
Another part of the implementation project includes the identification of the
partners who will join the Middle Peninsula Regional Airport Authority. The
Task Force plans for the formation of the Authority in January of 1998. The
Town of West Point still owns the Middle Peninsula Regional Airport. After the
Authority is formed, the Town will work with the Authority to negotiate the
transfer of the operation of Airport to the Authority. Meanwhile, the Town of
West Point continues to plan for federal and state assistance for the funding
of the proposed capital improvements. This fall saw the beginning of construction
of an apron for aircraft parking at the Middle Peninsula Regional Airport.
Members of the Task Force and staff are currently presenting the work of the
Task Force to each of the potential members of the Middle Peninsula Regional
Airport Authority. Each locality will be asked to decide whether they will join
the Authority by December 31, 1999.
The Middle Peninsula Regional Airport provides both direct and indirect benefits
for the region, and these benefits will broaden and increase as capital improvements
continue and services increase at the Middle Peninsula Regional Airport. The
Lower Middle Peninsula Airport Study, November 1995, estimated the total annual
direct economic impact of the Middle Peninsula Regional Airport to be $1,268,530
and the total annual economic impact to be $4,733,213. Opportunities for economic
development are also enhanced by a Regional Airport. Access to a regional airport
with a multitude of services can affect the decision of an economic development
prospect to select a Middle Peninsula location. The Middle Peninsula Regional
Airport is located in a prime position to enjoy success, and regional operation
of the facility will maximize this potential.
Middle Peninsula Regional Airport