Commission approves $19,226 change order to address underground spring at corporate hangar site

Rowan County commissioners approved a $19,226.40 change order for site work at the corporate hangar after construction crews encountered an underground spring that is preventing foundation work.

County project staff said the corporate hangar site began producing groundwater when excavation began and that dewatering alone would not solve the issue. The recommended fix is to add unit‑price line items for fabric and stone to create an underground drainage path (described in the meeting as similar to a French drain). Staff asked for a not‑to‑exceed estimate on the change order so the county would not create an open‑ended cost exposure, and said the line items will be reconciled against the unit‑price contract at project closeout with possible credits elsewhere in the contract.

"Every time we stick a shovel in the ground, it creates a fountain," Commissioner Pearson said, describing the groundwater problem at the box hangar area. Staff said the intent is for the contractor to order the fabric and stone as soon as the change order is approved so crews can begin work the following Monday and avoid losing another 21 days of schedule.

The change order increases the contract by the stated amount; staff noted the project already includes significant unit‑price credits elsewhere and that all quantities will be balanced at the end of the contract. Commissioners approved the change order without recorded opposition.

Why it matters: The change order addresses an unanticipated subsurface water condition that was blocking foundation work at the corporate hangar and would have delayed the project’s schedule.

What’s next: Staff will authorize the contractor to procure the materials and begin the drainage/fabric work immediately and will reconcile quantities and credits at project closeout.