Rangeley airport commission awards runway crack-sealing contract to low bidder

The Rangeley Airport Commission voted April 28 to award the runway crack-sealing contract to the lone bidder, Proseo, for $201,147.50 to obligate federal BIL funds before the grant deadline.

Why it matters: The commission said the project must be obligated this week to secure federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funds. Commissioners noted an engineer cost estimate of about $241,400 but said the single bid was substantially lower and recommended accepting it to preserve the grant.

At the meeting, Joe Roche, the airport manager, summarized the procurement: "So the crack sealing project went out to bid, and we opened bids last week. We had 1 bid in your package ..." Roche said the engineer's cost opinion was about $241,400 and the lone bid from Proseo came in lower, at roughly $201,147.50. John Lynn recommended proceeding to obligate the funds and move forward with the low bidder; Jim seconded the motion and the commission voted to approve the award.

Commissioners said the engineering work is paid separately and that Stantec will provide an on-site inspector during construction. Roche said work would require brief runway closures and signage; the commission discussed aiming for warm-weather months and suggested July as a likely window. Roche told the commission the goal was to complete the work quickly so it would not become a prolonged closure: "I think we're shooting for, like, 2 weeks ... we just have to obligate the funds before we lose them."

The commission also raised an operational safety item: a tie‑down anchor installed during a past improvement sits high and could risk a prop‑strike or vehicle damage. Commissioners asked staff to address that before the contractor mobilizes.

Ending: The commission approved the contract award so staff can obligate BIL funds and proceed to scheduling and on‑site inspections; the commission asked staff to notify the public about any brief runway closures during the work.