Airport board backs tentative plan to add accessible route, possible handicap parking at 4‑H building

Jessica Garrett, the applicant for an AARP accessibility grant and a fairgrounds representative, asked the Broadwater County Airport Board to support adding a sidewalk and up to four accessible parking spaces at the north end of the 4‑H Exhibit Building.

Garrett told the board the grant application deadline is March 4 and the program’s maximum award is $15,000. She said the primary scope would be “some sort of a sidewalk from that walk in man gate up and around the new restroom addition” to provide a stable surface for wheelchairs, strollers and walkers, and that if funds allow she would like to add two to four dedicated handicap parking spaces with an unloading zone.

Board members asked how the route would connect to the new east entrance and whether trees or fencing would need to be moved. Garrett said she has spoken with Lisa (the county property contact) and that Lisa supported the sidewalk concept and would help map the final alignment to preserve mowing access.

The board moved and seconded a motion to approve a tentative zone on the west side of the 4‑H building for handicap parking and an accessible route, with the explicit caveat that the improvements may have to be removed in the future if required by the FAA or other governing authorities. The motion carried by voice vote.

The board and Garrett agreed that final scope and the number of parking stalls will depend on actual contractor quotes; Garrett said she would return with cost estimates if the grant application is successful. The board asked to be notified when Garrett learns whether the grant will fund the improvements.

Next steps: Garrett will pursue the AARP grant application (deadline March 4) and report back with contractor quotes and a proposed final layout for the board’s review.