Kirksville council approves $43,392 change order for airport terminal; DOT extends EAS bid window

The Kirksville City Council on Feb. 9 approved a change order to the airport terminal construction contract that adds soffit work, fireproofing and lighting changes and increases the contract by $43,392.10.

Jeff Lafontaine, Kirksville—airport director, told the council the original contract with Coil Construction was $4,653,200 and that prior change orders addressed soil stabilization. "The physical change order for this is, like, as stated was a $43,392.10, which will bring the new total construction, Coil Construction for the terminal up to $4,763,288.93," Lafontaine said. He added the change includes a few credits, for example removal of a refrigerator and microwave in the TSA office, and said the work improves the terminal—soffit appearance and conceals electrical elements.

Lafontaine said the change order "will not affect the city's match on this project." He said the city will use funds previously set aside for FAA equipment relocation to cover the work.

On schedule and next steps: Lafontaine said the expanded terminal (roughly doubling from about 3,000 to more than 6,000 square feet) is nearing completion, with interior rough-in, drywall and other work underway. He estimated construction completion in late June or July, and said a grand opening and airport appreciation event is being planned for August after the old terminal is demolished and tenant moves are finished.

Essential Air Service update: Lafontaine also updated the council on the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) procurement. He said the Department of Transportation granted a nationwide extension for proposals for the EAS contracts shared by Kirksville, Owensboro and Marion; the deadline was extended through Feb. 18. "Contour's contract ends July 31," Lafontaine said, and he noted a new carrier could be operating when the facility opens depending on the DOT's selection. He described the extension as an effort to increase competition for the contract and said multiple airlines have expressed interest.

Council action: After questions from council members about the EAS process and timing, the council voted by voice to approve the change order resolution. The council record shows the motion was moved by Council member Steele and seconded by Council member Gardner.

What happens next: Staff will execute the change order and continue construction toward the late-June/July completion window. The DOT's EAS timeline will proceed independently; the city said it will coordinate with any airline awarded the contract to schedule demonstrations or community events in advance of the terminal opening.