Airport Authority approves $2.5M contract for Taxway Alpha extension and upgrades

The Hamilton County Airport Authority (HCAA) Board convened on July 9, 2025, to discuss several key projects and updates regarding airport operations and infrastructure improvements. The meeting highlighted progress on the Glide Slope project, lighting upgrades, and upcoming construction contracts.

The meeting began with an update on the Glide Slope project, which is set to have antennas removed from the existing tower between July 14 and 16. Following this, the contractor will decommission the old tower and install a new one, with commissioning tentatively scheduled for early September, contingent on favorable weather conditions and FAA flight checks.

Next, the board received a recap of the ongoing lighting project, which is nearing completion. The project includes the installation of new high-intensity LED runway edge lights and the relocation of the electrical vault. The vault's removal is expected to occur next week, following the installation of primary power to the west T hangers and the Glide Slope facility. The upgrades aim to enhance operational efficiency and safety at the airport.

The board also addressed the status of two significant construction projects: the Taxway Alpha extension and the ramp project. While the ramp project has been temporarily shelved, the Taxway Alpha extension has been prioritized. The board approved a contract with Milestone Construction for $2,529,140 to extend Taxway Alpha, which includes paving an access road and restroom facilities. Additionally, a contract with Woolpert for construction management services was approved for $288,478, which encompasses project coordination and FAA-required aerial imagery acquisition.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the design phase of the Taxway Alpha rehabilitation project, which is currently 20-30% complete. The board plans to hold a pre-construction meeting with Milestone, aiming for a construction start date in August to ensure project completion by the end of the calendar year.

Overall, the meeting underscored the HCAA's commitment to improving airport infrastructure and operational efficiency, with several projects progressing towards completion.