Shenandoah Valley Airport Renovations Almost Complete

1/3/2012

Via WHSV.com

Nearly $2 million worth of renovations are almost complete at the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport in Weyers Cave.

The airport switched from U.S. Airways to United Airlines in 2008, which Greg Campbell, the airport's executive director, meant a 140 percent increase in travelers.

That increase meant renovations became a priority to most effectively manage the airport's space.

Campbell said the last major renovations happened in the 1980s.

"We felt like the renovations were somewhat overdue, so it's really gratifying to see them come to a close," Campbell said.

About 90 percent of the renovations were paid for by the state's aviation agency; the other 10 percent was paid for by the airport.

Frequent flyer Kyle McCutchenson traveled to the Valley for Christmas from Australia, and began her trip back home at the Valley airport.

"I've been in and out so much, I've actually seen this building come together quite quickly," McCutchenson said. "You could feel we were pushing the limits with the old structure a little bit."

Campbell estimates about 20 percent more people flew out of the Valley's airport this year.

"The airport is really the front door to the community in many regards, so these renovations, I think, represent our community in a much more positive light," Campbell said.

That's the reason McCutcheson chose to start her around the world trip in the Valley.

"It's close enough to Harrisonburg; I think it's going to have a future as far as some growth, and provide some service that the community desperately needed," McCutchenson said.

She said she's kept track of the new building's renovations since its ground breaking and won't miss the drive to a bigger city.

"It's done, it's nice, it's good," she said.

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