Runway reconstruction at Canyon Ferry delayed two weeks; FAA 95/5 grant executed, county submits drawdowns

The contractor set a revised start date of June 2 for runway reconstruction at Canyon Ferry Airport after the prime contractor and key subcontractors—particularly the paving crew and electrical contractor—could not align schedules, project manager Lance Bowser told the Broadwater County Airport Board May 20.

Bowser, calling in to the meeting, said the prime contractor preferred delaying the start so paving crews would be available later in the schedule rather than sitting idle. He said the project requires the electrical subcontractor to be on site early because the scope includes replacing the entire runway electrical system (trenching, conduit, cabling and new enclosures) and that the contractor bid the work with schedule flexibility to reduce costs.

"They delayed essentially two weeks...primarily trying to align all their subcontractors, particularly paving and electrical," Bowser said. He told the board that the contract allows up to 90 calendar days for substantial completion; because punch-list work is required after paving, the practical closure could be up to about 75 days for active runway work. Bowser also said the county had executed the second FAA grant offer—a 95% federal, 5% local grant—and that the county commission had signed the paperwork and the project team had submitted the first drawdowns.

Board members pressed whether more could be done to advance earthwork and staging ahead of paving. Rob (board member) asked whether demolition and graveling could be done earlier to get ahead of paving. Bowser responded that the prime contractor needs pavers available around day 45 of the contractor schedule and that if pavers are unavailable until day 60, the contractor prefers to delay the start rather than begin earthwork early and then idle other trades. He noted the contract includes liquidated damages for late completion.

Board members expressed frustration at shifting start dates and asked whether agricultural spray operators (crop-dusting contractors) had been notified. Bowser said crop-dusting operators were aware of the shift and typically spray in July; he said coordination is difficult and there is limited ability to re-sequence operations to meet specific farm needs without impacting the overall bid price and contractor availability.

Airport Manager Dwight Thompson said fence crews had been on site to move fence lines and that a gravel stockpile and material submittals were in review. Board members and staff said they would continue outreach to users about the June 2 NOTAM (notice of airport closure) and to monitor contractor adherence to the schedule and potential liquidated damages.

No formal board vote was required for the update. Staff said they would report construction progress at future meetings and publish NOTAMs in advance as permitted by FAA procedures.