Gov. Justice signs bill providing $25 million in funding to Pierpont Community and Technical College Aviation Maintenance Program

Gov. Justice signs bill providing $25 million in funding to Pierpont Community and Technical College Aviation Maintenance Program

VIEW PHOTOS | WATCH VIDEO CLARKSBURG, WV — Gov. Jim Justice held a ceremony today at the Robert C Byrd National Aerospace Education Center on the grounds of the North Central West Virginia Airport to sign Senate Bill 1029, which provides a $25 million supplemental appropriation to Pierpont Community & Technical College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program for a new aviation maintenance training facility. The 70,000 square-foot facility will give the Pierpont program a significant increase in space, allowing for an increase in annual enrollment from 130 to 200 students per year. "Everyone should be incredibly proud because this is an incredible moment for everyone here,”  Gov. Justice said. “The people involved have worked so hard to make today happen. What you are doing at this school and airport is unbelievable. I am so proud to have been a part of this. My dad was a captain in the air force in World War 2 and he always said 'it is an honor flying with you.' That's exactly how I feel today.” The proposed design features two high bay hangers, aviation-related specialty labs, including shops for turbine and reciprocating engine overhauls, flight controls and hydraulics, lecture classrooms, and a learning resource and testing center. Pierpont’s Advanced Welding program will also have shops and classrooms within the facility. Pierpont’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program provides training in aircraft technology to prepare students to be qualified to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 147 tests. Offering a two-year associate degree and one-year certificates, students learn to perform maintenance, remove and replace components, troubleshoot, and repair aircraft systems while developing plans to analyze and develop solutions for aircraft problems using approved maintenance materials. “I'm excited that we are here today because this is a huge day for North Central West Virginia and the industry,” West Virginia Senate President Craig Blair said. “This has taken too long, but I'm incredibly excited for the students. This school provides learning and job opportunities for people who were told they might not amount to anything if they didn't go to a traditional university. That is, without a doubt, not the case. North Central West Virginia is on fire right now, and this is just another example.” "This is a wonderful day to recognize this school's impact on North Central West Virginia and West Virginia at large because this is a big deal," Dr. Milan Hayward, president of Pierpont Community & Technical College, said. "It's my privilege to give credit to those who have worked so hard to bring this to fruition. I thank Gov. Justice for seeing our value and approving the funds for this important project." "Our school is at capacity, so getting this project started as fast as possible is very important,” David Hinkle, chair of Pierpont’s board of governors, 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." For more information on Pierpont Community & Technical College and its Aviation Maintenance Technology program, visit pierpont.edu. ###