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Hays awards $6.68 million bid to rebuild Runway 422; FAA to fund majority
Summary
The City Commission approved Smokey Hill LLC’s low bid to reconstruct Runway 422 and related Taxiway M intersection at Hays Regional Airport and authorized the airport consultant’s construction-inspection contract; the project is expected to be largely funded through FAA Airport Improvement Program grants.
The Hays City Commission voted 5-0 on May 22 to accept a $6,676,840.98 bid from Smokey Hill LLC to reconstruct Crosswind Runway 422 and the adjacent Taxiway M intersection at Hays Regional Airport and authorized the city to accept the FAA grant when offered.
Airport Director Jamie Salter told the commission the crosswind runway and the Taxiway M intersection have developed extensive pavement failures, including longitudinal cracking, spalling and heaving that have produced hazardous foreign object debris. "This project is eligible for federal grant funding through the FAA's Airport Improvement Program," Salter said during his presentation.
Why it matters: Salter said reconstruction will restore compliance with FAA safety standards and lengthen the pavement’s service life. The FAA is expected to reimburse most of the cost; for 2025–2026 projects the FAA share is 95%, leaving a local share of about 5%.
Key facts and schedule: Smokey Hill’s low bid came in under budget. Salter told commissioners the contractor will have 143 calendar days to complete the work; the city is targeting next spring for a start and late fall for completion, weather permitting. During the most intensive work the crosswind runway will be closed; Salter estimated about a 21-day period that may require closing part of the primary runway safety area and some back-taxiing operations for aircraft.
Funding and local impact: Salter said the higher FAA reimbursement rate for 2025–2026 projects reduces the city’s local share to just over $330,000; the city will pay that from the airport improvement fund. Commissioners emphasized the importance of preserving commercial service and the federal funding streams that follow it. "Without Part 139 status and commercial service, we would not be eligible for the same federal funding," Commissioner Breuder said.
Construction observation and inspection: The commission also approved a consultant agreement with Lochner for construction engineering and inspection services, accepting a $445,800 fee; the FAA would cover the same 95% share, leaving a local share of roughly $22,000, to be paid from the airport improvement fund.
Votes and motions: The motion to accept Smokey Hill’s bid was moved by Commissioner Reuter and seconded by Commissioner Barrack; the motion to authorize the Lochner consultant agreement was moved by Commissioner Barrick and seconded by Commissioner Musil. Both actions passed 5-0.
Next steps: The city manager was authorized to execute the FAA grant agreement when offered and to carry out the project. Airport staff said they will coordinate timing with the airline operator and publicize closures in advance.
