MCLAUGHLIN AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Charleston, W.Va. -- The 130th Airlift Wing unveiled its new $3.75 million base entrance project May 26, 2017 alongside U.S. Senator Shelly Moore Capito, other state and local representatives, West Virginia Army and Air National Guard leadership and 130th AW leaders.
“This infrastructure project is an excellent investment and will significantly improve traffic flow onto our installation and reduce congestion into the neighborhoods surrounding us,” said Col. Johnny Ryan, 130th AW commander. “The impact is far reaching and will not only help to alleviate duplicate operations, it will also increase our perimeter security and base defense.”
Major construction has been underway since June 23, 2016 to erect the new entrance for the Army and Air National Guard bases, as well as the West Virginia Joint Force Headquarters.
The primary focus of the project was to improve vehicle flow and access for oversized commercial and military vehicles and eliminate the need to operate two entry control points. It also addresses security issues found in the annual vulnerability assessment and in the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission report and it will provide cost savings for the operation of both personnel and additional facilities on the installation.
The new entrance alleviates congestion along Coonskin Drive by reducing waiting times and prevents traffic build-up into the adjacent residential neighborhood.
“The completion of the gate not only fixes security deficiencies identified in the BRAC, it also represents Joint Base West Virginia’s future of functioning as one cohesive military organization,” said Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, the Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard.
The completed design includes a new gateway sign, 400 square-foot guard facility, 1,600 square-foot inspection canopy with three inspection lanes and a driver waiting area. A decorative rain garden will assist with storm water runoff for nearby properties.
This project was designed by Michael Baker, Inc., of Charleston, W.Va. and built by Danhill Construction of Gauley Bridge, W.Va.