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Bonner County approves four airport engineering work orders for Sandpoint and Priest River projects
Summary
The board approved four work orders with the Ardura Group for airport projects at Sandpoint and Priest River, including runway approach tree removal, property acquisitions in runway protection zones, a waterline extension, and survey work for hangar lease lots.
Bonner County commissioners approved four engineering work orders on Tuesday that will move several Sandpoint and Priest River airport projects into design and procurement.
Director Chris Shook presented four work orders prepared under the county’s 2023 master professional services agreement with the Ardura Group, each fully reviewed by auditing, risk and legal staff. The first work order funds engineering, grant administration and contract administration for removal of trees inside Sandpoint Airport runway protection zones; Shook said the work order totals $137,603.90, with approximately 97.5% funded by FAA and ITD grants and a county match of $3,440 allocated in the airport budget. Shook said some trees, particularly near the north end of the runway, are small non‑marketable deciduous timber and the effort will require traffic management and public outreach.
A second work order covers FAA‑funded acquisition of multiple parcels in runway protection zones; county staff confirmed all acquisitions will be by willing sellers and will follow federal appraisal and acquisition rules. The county match for that work order is $13,421.
At Priest River Airport the board approved a work order to extend a domestic waterline to provide fire protection and hangar services; the county match for that work order is $748.68. A fourth work order will fund surveying for new hangar lease lots, corner pins and utility easement exhibits; the county match on that item is $502.50. Commissioners approved each work order and directed the chair to sign administratively.
Public speakers stressed safety concerns supporting tree removal in runway approach paths. Airport staff said the federal Airport Improvement Program is primarily funded through airline passenger fees and fuel taxes, not general county taxation, and that the projects are safety‑driven and grant‑eligible.
