West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice recently signed Senate Bill 1029 in law.
The bill provides $25 million to Pierpont Community & Technical College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program for a new aviation maintenance training facility.
Pierpont’s program provides training in aircraft technology to prepare students to be qualified for the Federal Aviation Administration Part 147 tests.
The proposed 70,000 square-foot facility would feature aviation-related specialty labs and two high bay hangers. The labs include shops for turbine and reciprocating engine overhauls, flight controls and hydraulics, lecture classrooms, and a learning resource and testing center.
The facility will provide Pierpont with the space to increase annual enrollment from 130 to 200 students.
“Our school is at capacity, so getting this project started as fast as possible is very important,” David Hinkle, Pierpont board of governors chairman, said. “This is going to be a real game changer for us and the airport. I want to thank Gov. Justice for everything he has done to help get us to this point.”
In addition, Pierpont’s Advanced Welding program also will have shops and classrooms in the facility.
Justice signed the bill during a ceremony held Thursday at the Robert C Byrd National Aerospace Education Center on the grounds of the North Central West Virginia Airport.