08/25/2026
Continuing the historic capital investment in the Wi******er Regional Airport, the Wi******er Regional Airport Authority (“Authority”) received a grant by the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) in the amount of $2,196,225. The grant will fund site improvements on a 30-acre tract of land that has received significant interest and can support a wide variety of potential uses including hangar storage, maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, advanced air mobility (AAM), and aircraft assembly and flight-testing operations. The grant was awarded at the quarterly meeting of the Virginia Aviation Board (VAB) held on August 21, 2026 in Williamsburg, Virginia.
The project prepares the airport for future development by clearing trees, mitigating environmental issues, and grading the parcel to near finished floor elevation. All utilities are already in place, and a related project will add a vehicle entrance, making the site essentially “shovel ready” once the work is complete.
“When used effectively, grants are strategic investments that can enhance the airport’s capability, attract meaningful jobs, diversify the regional tax base, and grow the aviation industry in the Commonwealth,” says Authority Chairman Bill Pifer. “We appreciate our partnership with the DOAV and their support of our economic development goals,” he added.
The grant covers 90% of total project costs and the remaining 10% will be funded out of Authority revenues. The low bidder was Clarke County-based Brute LLC. Work is expected to begin in fall 2026.
Virginia Department of Aviation
Virginia Aviation Business Association