Rio Blanco County weighs Meeker Airport GA ramp replacement after low bid exceeds budget

Rio Blanco County commissioners on May 19, 2025, discussed whether to proceed with replacing the Meeker Airport general aviation (GA) ramp after bids came in above the county’s 2025 budget. County airport staff said the low bidder, Elevated Excavating, submitted a total low bid of $3,009,097.01 and that the full project cost without contingency is $3,459,297.01, including an FAA‑ineligible portion of $736,995.32 that the county would need to cover.

The issue matters because most airport capital work is eligible for federal reimbursement through FAA entitlements and the state’s CDOT Aeronautics bill funding, but FAA rules deem the 50‑foot apron in front of privately owned hangars ineligible for federal funds. Eric, the county airport presenter, told commissioners that the project as bid is broken into Schedule 1 (FAA‑eligible) and Schedule 2 (FAA‑ineligible) and that the ineligible portion falls to the county to replace.

"We received 3 bids, and the low bidder is Elevated Excavating," Eric said. "They have a total bid of $3,009,097.01. ... Schedule 2 is the FAA ineligible funding of $736,995.32." He said the county had budgeted $3,000,000 for the project in the 2025 budget and that the estimated FAA reimbursement is roughly $1,900,000, leaving the county responsible for about $459,297.01 above the current appropriation if the board chooses to proceed this year.

Airport staff outlined three primary options: 1) move forward in 2025, cover the approximately $459,000 gap now and seek reimbursement later (including using 2026 entitlement and bill funds to reimburse the county); 2) absorb the full project cost this year and not reallocate next year’s entitlements; or 3) delay awarding the contract until 2026, rebid and use additional FAA/CDOT funds built up in the interim. Staff warned that delaying could push other planned projects in the county’s 5‑ and 10‑year capital plans later and that bill funding currently available is scheduled to sunset next year.

Commissioners asked multiple questions about bid hold periods, CDOT inspection schedules and how hangar ownership affects eligibility. Commissioner Jennifer said she favored completing the project but asked for time to see the county’s finances and options: "I want to see where our finances break out. I want to see where our money's at and what our options are," she said. Another commissioner said the item felt rushed and requested a site tour before deciding.

Staff noted other related issues that could affect county costs: inconsistent collection of ground leases at the Rangely Airport, and differing contract arrangements with fixed base operators that can affect which hangar aprons are county responsibility. Eric said Holter Aviation holds the FBO and airport manager contracts in Meeker; he identified some hangars whose apron areas may be treated differently for lease and maintenance purposes.

Next steps: commissioners asked county finance staff (Lisa) to prepare a written breakdown of possible funding sources and scenarios and to put the item back on a near‑term agenda so the board could consider awarding the contract. Commissioners also discussed a planned site tour (scheduled for June 21) to inspect conditions at both airports before making a final decision. The low bidder indicated availability to begin work, but staff cautioned the bid may not be held indefinitely if the county delays awarding.

The board did not vote to award the contract at the May 19 special meeting. Instead, commissioners requested more detailed financial analysis and planned further review at an upcoming meeting, with the option to call additional meetings if needed.