County to design AWOS, airport parking and install LED runway lights; FAA and federal grants cover most costs

The committee approved a professional-services contract to design an Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) and a separate contract for design of a parking lot and drainage system at the county airport; both projects are funded at 95% through FAA or related federal grants. The engineering presenter said the AWOS project was awarded funding last month through the FAA and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law; the design contract was presented for approval and committee members moved and seconded the item. A separate Passero contract for airport parking and drainage was also approved and likewise described as 95% funded. Staff also reported that a new LED lighting system at the airport has been installed and is awaiting final matting to limit grass growth around fixtures. The airport lighting work was done with FAA coordination; staff said they will evaluate the LED approach for use on a larger runway. Other airport items: engineering staff said they are developing a longer-term vision for the airport, including potential lease areas for corporate hangars and reconsidering aviation vehicle needs so developers can build corporate hangars to meet regional demand. Why it matters: AWOS supports flight safety and airport operations; FAA grants reduce local costs for design and construction. Upgrades and planning could affect future airport users and local economic development. Actions: the committee approved the AWOS design contract and the parking/drainage design agreement by motion and voice vote; both items were noted as funded largely by federal grants. Next steps: consultant Passero will proceed with the parking and drainage design and the AWOS design will move forward under the FAA-funded program; staff will return with schedule and implementation details as work proceeds.