Commission authorizes geotechnical survey for Bendix Drive amid airport runway‑extension study

Redevelopment commissioners on Sept. 6 authorized a $58,000 professional‑services contract with DLZ to perform geotechnical studies along Bendix Drive, an area the county says would need work if the East‑West runway at the regional airport is extended by about 700 feet to reach roughly 9,100 feet. Staff presented the runway‑extension study and said an extension would position the airport to handle larger international cargo aircraft. The study team evaluated multiple scenarios, including a road realignment and a tunnel option for Bendix Drive; staff said a tunnel option was estimated in the $80 million to $90 million range and posed drainage and structural complexities. The geotechnical study approved by the commission is a progressive investigation that begins with baseline and nonintrusive work and could include soil borings and test wells if needed. Staff cautioned that a historic landfill under part of the Bendix corridor complicates design and that findings may indicate the runway extension is not practical without extensive and costly remediation. Commissioners were told the report will be provided to the county, the city and the airport, and staff said the geotechnical results will be used to refine cost and feasibility analyses for any runway extension and for coordination with the city’s Bendix Drive redesign. The commission approved the contract unanimously.