Fremont County plans ARPA-funded airport drainage fix, must spend funds this year

Fremont County commissioners told listeners the county is preparing a long-awaited drainage overhaul at the regional airport, funded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. Commissioner Debbie Bell said the county has plans and ARPA funding available, but stressed the money must be fully expended by the end of the year, creating an implementation timeline ahead of the typical procurement and construction steps.

"We have the ARPA money to get it done," Bell said on the countys recorded program. Commissioner Dwayne McFall described recurring sheet flooding that has plagued the airport since the fixed-base operator was built, saying the site floods "very regularly" and that prior attempts at walls and rerouting water had not solved the problem.

Commissioners said work had already begun with planning and that county staff had started preliminary efforts. They framed the project as both an operations and public-safety improvement: creating better access and space for search-and-rescue functions located at or near the airport. No construction schedule, contractor award, or exact project cost was announced during the broadcast.

County officials indicated the project is a high priority for 2026 because ARPA funds carry an expenditure deadline. Residents seeking more detail were directed to county staff and future BOCC agendas for specific procurement milestones and budget figures.

The county did not announce a bid timeline or estimated construction cost on the program.