Tuscaloosa council approves FAA grants for runway, cargo apron and multiple local infrastructure contracts

The Tuscaloosa City Council approved Federal Aviation Administration and Alabama Department of Transportation grant agreements for a runway extension and a two‑phase cargo/overflow apron at Tuscaloosa National Airport, and voted to approve a series of local permits and public‑works contracts at its meeting.

The airport projects were the largest items. Jeff (staff member) said the council had received a grant award offer for the runway extension project and was prepared to execute the agreement to begin bidding and construction services. The primary runway will be extended by 1,100 feet; the city’s required match for that grant was described in the meeting as 2.5 percent, or $676,597, which staff said has been budgeted. Jeff said the runway extension is intended to let some aircraft carry heavier loads without a takeoff weight penalty and will primarily benefit cargo operations and large charter flights.

Jeff also described a two‑phase cargo/overflow apron project identified in the airport’s 2021 master plan. Phase 1 (site preparation) is included in the current grant application; Phase 2 (paving) is tentatively scheduled in 2026. He said the airport has observed brief surges of large cargo aircraft that exceed the capacity of the terminal ramp. For the phase‑1 work the council made a tentative award to John Plott Company; staff said the bid came from a single bidder but was within about 3 percent of the engineer’s estimate. "Wehave been notified that we're going to be awarded," Jeff said of the grant notice.

Separately, the council approved a right‑of‑way use permit requested by 5860 Old Montgomery LLC to install private storm drainage infrastructure in the 20 Second Avenue right of way. Mike (staff member) said the private storm sewer would serve a single parcel — the existing building will be renovated and three new townhomes will face west on 20 Second Avenue — and that the permit would establish private ownership and maintenance of the new infrastructure. When asked about alternatives, Mike said the alternative would be for the city to own and maintain the sewer. The council approved the permit.

The council awarded a $99,713.80 contract to Price Civil Services for the Bellevue Drive drainage repair project. Zach (staff member) said the work replaces a failed section of corrugated metal pipe that collapsed, caused clogs and flooded yards and houses; Public Works had previously cleared debris and the repair will install a new pipe and headwall. Zach said the project will be funded from the neighborhood drainage budget list.

The council authorized a joint agreement with Kansas City Southern Railway, doing business as CPKC, to permanently close the 16th Street railroad crossing adjacent to the northwest corner of the Tuscaloosa County Jail. Brett Paul (staff member) said the crossing has been the site of derailments and is a hazard; he said the closure will be at no cost to the city.

Other approved items included a minor public‑works contract of $2,090 with Drew and Glass to replace broken windows at Freeman Pool (the city facility is leased to PERA), replacement of the city seal at the Mercedes‑Benz Amphitheater funded from the AMP repairs and maintenance budget, a $24,500 contract to replace HVAC controls at the River Market (to standardize controls across facilities), and an estimated under‑$22,000 signage upgrade concept for Shelby Park that staff said they will return with firm costs and a formal project request.

The council approved a lease amendment for Twin Hangar LLC at the airport that extends the term by five years to reflect more than $1 million in tenant improvements. The council also approved a grant agreement for the airport cargo apron (Phase 1) and the tentative public works award to John Plott Company to perform the site‑prep work upon grant execution.

Jason (chief information officer) presented a request to authorize budgeted, blanket agreements with AT&T Enterprises for conversion of analog phone lines and other communications services; the item was initially tabled for one week at a councilor’s request, then later reconsidered and approved after additional discussion. Jason also presented an amended professional services contract with Tyler Technologies to update the city’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) maintenance agreement and add a resident access/cashiering module for online payments and business license renewals; the council approved that contract.

The council also completed its annual renewal of the license agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the River Market site and approved an amendment to the Sports Illustrated Resorts ordinance clarifying responsibilities for Riverwalk infrastructure that the presenter said does not require an additional public hearing.

Votes at a glance (items 1–15): item 1 — right‑of‑way use permit for 5860 Old Montgomery LLC: approved; item 2 — Price Civil Services contract for Bellevue Drive drainage repair ($99,713.80): approved; item 3 — agreement with Kansas City Southern/CPKC to close 16th Street railroad crossing: approved; item 4 — minor public works contract with Drew and Glass for Freeman Pool windows ($2,090): approved; item 5 — AMP seal replacement at Mercedes‑Benz Amphitheater (funded from AMP repairs/maintenance): approved; item 6 — HVAC controls replacement at River Market (Dakin Applied Americas, $24,500): approved; item 7 — Shelby Park signage concept (staff to return with specifics): discussion/advance consensus to return with formal project; item 8 — Twin Hangar LLC lease amendment (term extension): approved; item 9 — grant agreement with FAA and ALDOT for cargo overflow apron (Phase 1 site prep): approved; item 10 — tentative award to John Plott Company for Phase 1 apron: approved; item 11 — runway extension grant agreement (1,100 feet; 2.5% match $676,597): approved; item 12 — authorization for CIO to execute budgeted agreements with AT&T Enterprises (initially tabled one week, then approved after reconsideration): approved; item 13 — professional services contract amendment with Tyler Technologies (ERP maintenance and resident access/payments modules): approved; item 14 — annual license renewal with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for River Market: approved; item 15 — Sports Illustrated Resorts ordinance amendment clarifying Riverwalk requirements: approved.

The council chair said the next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 26. No votes failed during the session and staff indicated work on several projects will proceed as budgeted or pending grant execution.