The Shadow
BATH COUNTY, Va (VR) Construction is well underway on a major upgrade at Ingalls Field Airport, with the Bath County Airport Authority overseeing a new terminal project expected to redefine air service in this scenic part of Virginia.
The ambitious $5 million project, made possible through layers of planning, community support, and state funding, will add a 5,000-square-foot terminal designed to better serve both the aviation community and residents for decades to come.
The new terminal at Ingles Field is the centerpiece of Bath County’s strategy to increase economic opportunities and promote the region’s growing tourism industry. While the new terminal is being built, a temporary structure has ensured that airport operations continue, even as site work, utility upgrades, and landscaping improvements move forward.
The airport Authority aimed to create a modern hub for Bath County that reflects its natural beauty and provides amenities that travelers expect. The terminal’s design by Richmond-based PSH+ Architecture (formerly Price Simpson Harvey) incorporates an extensive number of natural accents, while providing panoramic views of the county’s famous landscape. Athens Construction of Richmond has finished the terminal’s pad, and steelwork for the building structure is well underway.
Despite the project’s complexity and the challenges involved in coordinating with state and federal agencies, work remains on schedule, with an anticipated completion date of March 2026.
The funding for the terminal is drawn primarily from the state, which covers approximately 80% of the costs. The balance is financed by Bath County’s tax, specifically its occupancy tax, ensuring local investment in a facility designed for the area’s benefit. Beyond the terminal, the airport is partnering with Preservation Bath to restore the original early 1930s terminal building, a project sparked by a $30,000 grant from the Alleghany Foundation, with a broader fundraising goal of $100,000.
Tourism has been a driving force in the design of the new terminal. The airport authority has collaborated closely with Visit Bath, the Bath Economic Development Authority, and the Bath County Board of Supervisors to ensure the project meets the twin goals of boosting business and
enhancing visitor experience.
In addition to providing essential improvements for pilots and passengers, the upgraded airport is expected to serve as a launching point for explorers seeking outdoor adventures.
The Bath County Airport Authority is a group appointed by the county’s Board of Supervisors. It is a nine-member body responsible for overseeing daily operations, safety, and compliance. Among those recognized for their service at the authority’s fall meeting was Eddie Ryder, whose vision and leadership have guided the new project through its most complex phases. Other key members include Mark Spadoni, Paul Howell, Rick Peery, Tom Richardson, James W. Bryan III, James Redington, Jeff Ford, and John C. Singleton.
The Airport Authority reports that the support given from the community, board of supervisors, and organizations such as Preservation Bath has been remarkable. They also noted that such support is what makes a project of this enormous scale possible. Each stakeholder brought unique resources and expertise to bear, allowing the project to overcome regulatory, financial, and engineering hurdles.
The architectural firm selected, PSH+ Architecture, is well known for its aviation and corporate design work, with a client-inspired philosophy and a history of repeat business. Their portfolio includes the Dominion Energies Innsbrook Technology Center in Henrico County, projects that demonstrate their ability to balance innovation with client needs.
With the modern terminal rising and historic pieces being preserved, the outlook at Ingalls Field is bright. The new facility promises to offer travelers a state-of-the-art gateway to the Alleghany Highlands, while supporting construction and tourism-related jobs during the project’s final phases. The new terminal positions the small airport to serve the aviation community and the public for many years to come.
When construction wraps in March 2026, Bath County will unveil to the region and the world a signature investment in its future and a testament to what coordination, vision, and community support can build.
