Airport board approves Apron A2 reconstruction contract; staff cite risk of sub‑base failure, FAA funding expected

The airport district board voted to award a contract for reconstruction of Apron A2, a pavement area staff says has been identified for sub‑base repairs and is at risk of critical failure from current aircraft loads.

Staff told the board that engineering plans and a public bidding process were completed in March and April, and that McGuire & Hester submitted the low bid in the sealed process. Staff also said the project will use a combination of sponsor participation and Federal Aviation Administration funds; the board directed staff to return with firm financing quotes at the next meeting.

Staff said Apron A2 is on the district pavement maintenance plan and has “sub base failures by 2026,” making reconstruction urgent. Design engineer Damien Brownlee described the apron as “at risk” and said the construction and current aircraft use together create a heightened risk of what staff characterized as a potential critical failure.

Engineering and bidding

District staff told the board that engineering was finished on March 12 and biddable plans were published. A pre‑bid meeting was held March 27 and…