Airport staff report progress on visitor center and snow‑removal building; FAA review to shape next steps

Airport staff provided project updates on two capital efforts. Air Programs Manager Adam Yealy said work on an express visitor center (the former café space, which will host a micro visitor center) is advancing: the contractor is finalizing architectural renderings, staff expects to receive them Dec. 23 for review, and, assuming no issues, construction could wrap in early–late April.

“We should be receiving that on the 23rd,” Yealy said, describing the design timeline and anticipated steps to finalize scope and contract terms.

On the snow‑removal equipment building, staff reported receipt of a guaranteed maximum price from the contractor and that FAA reviewers provided comments. Yealy and staff said they will meet with the FAA and design partners on the 19th to reconcile comments, particularly around FAA guidance on which portions of the building are eligible for federal funds and what must be paid with local match. Staff emphasized that differing FAA interpretations of eligibility are the principal outstanding issue to resolve before proceeding with construction phasing decisions.

Commissioners expressed a desire to see ground broken as soon as feasible; staff said phasing options and the timing of grant funding will determine when construction starts. One staff member noted an available stockpile of fill dirt near the site that could accelerate earthwork once funding and FAA eligibility questions are resolved.

No formal action was taken; staff said it will return with a more detailed update at the next meeting after the FAA design‑partner meeting.