Airport manager: taxiway project complete; runway reclamation planned with possible 30-day closure

Randy Fox, representing the county airport, updated council members Nov. 12 on several airfield projects and asset-management goals.

Fox said the taxiway project is substantially complete with pavements, lights and painting in place, allowing aircraft to taxi along the full 7,000-foot runway; previously 2,000 feet lacked taxiway access. He said the county will advertise bids for three 8-position tee hangars and expects to accept a bid just under $3.2 million that will include removal of older west-end hangars the FAA has identified as encroaching on the runway protection area.

Engineering firm BFNS is planning a full-depth reclamation of the original 5,000-foot runway section; Fox said the work involves milling and full-depth replacement that could require up to a 30-day closure of the runway, depending on weather and material availability. He said contractors plan to reuse milled material where state rules allow and that the work could be scheduled for spring follow-up items.

Councilors asked about hangar capacity and revenue implications; Fox said the new hangars should add capacity (an estimated net gain of about four places) and generate long-term revenue despite extended payback periods for large hangar projects. He also said the airport is focused on keeping operational aircraft in hangars rather than storing nonflying aircraft and other items.

No formal action was required; the council received the update and asked staff to return with further scheduling details as the project advances.