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County approves Century West work to start FAA cultural resource study for airport PAPI fixes; costs to be reimbursed
Summary
Public Works and Century West Engineering were authorized to begin environmental and cultural resource work required by the FAA for airport PAPI light corrections; contractor said the studies are reimbursable at about 95% by FAA grants but the county may need to cover costs short term until reimbursements arrive.
Morrow County commissioners authorized work with Century West Engineering to begin a cultural resource and environmental study required by the Federal Aviation Administration as part of planned airport improvements.
Sandy Pointer, public works (SEG 1788), said inspections showed the PAPI (precision approach) lights were incorrectly tilted and the FAA now requires updated cultural resource reviews for off‑pavement work. Century West's Mark Hagedorn/Hagenor explained the new requirement and said the studies are reimbursable: “All this work is going to be fully reimbursable through the FAA at 95%,” but the county may need to carry costs for six to nine months prior to grant reimbursement (SEG 1932–1942).
Staff discussed funding options, including using Business Oregon funds where available or an interfund loan; Century West said it could hold invoicing until January to align with grant timelines to minimize county cash exposure. Commissioners approved moving forward with Century West's scope to begin required work so the county can meet FAA and grant scheduling deadlines.
Public Works noted potential coordination opportunities to combine studies for multiple airport projects, but Century West said full airportwide studies would be costly and expire after 10 years, making project‑by‑project studies more practical.
The board approved the motion to accept the work and authorized staff to proceed under the understanding that FAA grants should reimburse the majority of eligible costs.
