Powell council authorizes RFP for airport rental study with $38,000 estimate

Powell City Council on Jan. 20 authorized staff to draft and issue a request for proposals for a rental study of Powell Airport, with a staff estimate that the work would cost about $38,000 and take roughly 10 weeks to complete.

Rebecca, a city staff member, told the council the study would compile comparable airports, evaluate existing infrastructure (including control towers and fixed-base operators), review available land for aeronautical and non‑aeronautical uses, and produce a site- and revenue-based cost‑benefit analysis. "Because, essentially, when we're looking to put a lot of money in infrastructure up at the airport, we need to make sure that it makes sense," Rebecca said.

The council and staff framed the study as a precondition to pursuing larger construction and utility work at the airport. Council members noted the city’s 10-year master plan process is underway and that the study could be timed to inform grant applications. Council discussion referenced recent consultations with the FAA and the Wyoming Department of Transportation (YDOT) and an advisory commission recommendation to proceed.

Council members discussed funding options for the study. Staff described a special community project portion of the city’s economic development fund as a likely source; staff reported that fund’s projected balance for the 2024 fiscal year is $79,247. Council members suggested alternatives, including a hybrid of general fund and economic development funds, and agreed the RFP process would give the city competing bids to consider before any budget amendment.

Councilors also reviewed external funding timelines tied to utilities and construction. Staff said Economic Development Administration (EDA) and similar state funding cycles would likely push construction into late 2025 or early 2026: a May 1 funding announcement would allow a November 2025 project start, while an alternative August 1 announcement would push a start to February 2026. Staff noted Wyoming and the city qualify as an "energy community" for certain federal programs, which staff said typically results in an 80/20 federal‑to‑state funding split for eligible utility work.

Councilor comments reflected support for issuing an RFP now rather than waiting for final FAA approval of the 10‑year master plan so the study can inform grant applications and cost estimates. A motion to draft and issue an RFP for an airport rental study was moved and seconded; the council voted in favor and the motion carried.

Next steps: staff will prepare an RFP for council review, solicit bids, and return to council with proposals and a recommended funding source before authorizing a contract.