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Delta County approves multi-year airport capital plan, authorizes upfront design funding
Summary
Delta County commissioners approved multiple FAA Airport Improvement Program grants and a FY2026–2028 capital improvement plan, authorizing $425,000 in upfront design and equipment funds that staff say will be largely reimbursed by the FAA (typical reimbursement cited as 97.5%).
Delta County commissioners on a regular meeting approved several Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants and a three-year capital improvement plan for the county airport, authorizing $425,000 in upfront local funding to accelerate design and small capital purchases.
The airport administrator told the board the package includes purchase of a snow-removal blower and carrier, pavement markings for Runway 1028 and taxiways Alpha, Bravo and Charlie, reconstruction of the commercial apron, visual guidance improvements (PAPI) for Runway 119 and installation of perimeter wildlife fencing. She said the county is requesting $100,000 for a snow-equipment building redesign and $200,000 for design of Taxiway Alpha. A terminal study was estimated at $125,000, but FAA eligibility for that study is uncertain.
"This upfront cost will be reimbursed back to us at 97.5% upon completion of the project," the airport administrator said when describing the program’s reimbursement assumptions.
Board members pressed staff on FAA eligibility and timing. One commissioner noted that if the county proceeds with the $125,000 study and the FAA later declines eligibility, the county would be responsible for the local share. The administrator said $75,000 is currently budgeted for the study and the remaining $50,000 would come from the airport’s fund balance.
A related motion approved grant 542025 for apron reconstruction, runway visual guidance work and wildlife fencing; commissioners asked whether debris from the apron work could be reused as county fill and staff confirmed it could. The Board also approved posting an RFQ for professional engineering services tied to a SRE building expansion and set a timeline for bid openings.
Supporters framed the upfront funding as necessary to meet construction windows and to make the county’s case to the FAA. The board voted to accept the airport capital improvement program for FY2026–2028 and authorized the specified upfront funding by voice vote.
The administrator said she will present the plan to FAA staff in Gaylord for a preliminary review; she cautioned that FAA blessing does not guarantee formal grant approval and said the county would pause the terminal study if FAA feedback is negative.
The county approved the grants and CIP after discussion and the motions passed with no recorded opposition. The capital projects are scheduled to proceed through 2026–2028 pending final FAA eligibility and contract procurement.
