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Sawyer County airport to use federal funds for $510,000 of snow-removal equipment; runway contract signed and seasonal closure planned
Summary
Airport staff reported a $510,000 suite of snow-removal equipment will be bid using three federal funding methods (county share about 5%), the runway contract was signed by Haas Construction and engineers, and runway work will require a temporary closure in spring.
Mister Leslie, presenting the airport report to the Sawyer County Public Works Committee, said the airport is moving forward with a bid for roughly $510,000 in snow-removal equipment. He said federal funding will cover most of the cost; Sawyer County's share is about 5 percent.
Leslie said the airport and county administrator have been coordinating with the state and that accepting federal funds requires the county to abide by federal grant assurances, including operating and maintaining the airport for the period tied to those funds. "Anytime we take those funds, we reset the grants and assurances that we're gonna maintain the airport for the next 20 years," he said.
On the runway project, Leslie reported that a runway contract with Haas Construction (Eau Claire) and the engineering firm has been signed after several change orders; the airport expects a shutdown period for construction, with work planned for spring and a full closure likely in May. Staff explained a short segment of Airport Road carries seasonal weight restrictions (road bans) that affect when work can begin.
Leslie said the county may receive reimbursement for millings from the removed runway material estimated at between $30,000 and $60,000, depending on final measurements and contractor arrangements. He also noted some equipment matching in the county capital plan and said the new snow-removal equipment may not arrive before 2026.
Committee members asked whether the county budgeted its matching share; staff said the county budgets the 5 percent match as part of the capital improvement plan and entitlement dollars over multiple years.
No formal committee action was required on the report; it was received and discussed.
