Tuscaloosa committee approves $18.85 million contract to extend airport runway and taxiways
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Summary
The Public Projects Committee approved an $18,852,848.40 construction contract with Dominion Construction to extend the airport runway and parallel taxiways. The project is funded through a grant partnership with the FAA, the Alabama Department of Transportation and the city; staff described schedule, scope and expected operational benefits.
The Tuscaloosa City Public Projects Committee voted to award an $18,852,848.40 construction contract to Dominion Construction for a runway and taxiway extension project at the municipal airport.
Staff member Jeff, presenting the item, said the project is funded through a grant partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration, the Alabama Department of Transportation and the city. "This project is funded through a grant partnership with the FAA, ALDOT, and the city of Tuscaloosa," Jeff said, summarizing the funding arrangement and the project’s place in the airport master plan. He said the work was identified as a "critical component" of long-term airfield development.
The contract includes an extension of the runway, parallel taxiways, upgrades to the airport electrical vault, relocation of FAA navigational equipment, water-main realignment, installation of casing for future sewer expansion and application of silicone on the runway to reduce short-term follow-up work, according to Jeff. He said bids were open for about 49 days and five bids were received; Dominion Construction was the recommended award.
Jeff said staff budgeted conservatively early in the planning process and that the federal share increased, lowering the city’s expected share. He described a projected construction schedule that includes issuance of a construction administration work authorization and a planned construction window beginning in spring (staff said April was a targeted start) and a projected construction completion in June 2027.
Committee members asked logistical questions about earthwork and aircraft capabilities. Jeff said material for the fill has already been excavated from a source site and will be transported to the airport. He said the extension will enable some aircraft operations to use more of their weight capacity and will support larger cargo operations in the future.
A committee member offered a motion, it was seconded, and the committee approved the contract by voice vote.
The committee was told staff will return with a work authorization for construction administration and other next steps before mobilization.