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KLJ updates commissioners on AWOS installation and runway extension justification; MSA amendment signed
Summary
KLJ and airport board updated commissioners on the AWOS weather station, grant paperwork and land‑acquisition justification for a runway extension; commissioners approved signing an MSA amendment and related documents and asked staff to gather aircraft denial data for FAA justification.
KLJ consultant Justin Sindel told the Carter County commissioners Jan. 15 that the automated weather observation system (AWOS) project is ready to move forward once a few administrative items are signed and licensing/commissioning steps are complete.
Sindel briefed commissioners on an MSA (master services agreement) amendment, an MDT (Montana Department of Transportation) AWOS grant agreement that has required repeated civil‑rights language updates, and a Mesotech verification letter authorizing installation. A motion to sign those three documents was moved, seconded and carried; staff will obtain the presiding officer’s signature and return the executed forms.
On costs, Sindel said Southeast Electric’s additional charges for running power to the AWOS site raise the AWOS electrical total to $24,084.52 but remain within the project’s $25,000 grant budget line. He asked the county to pay the additional invoice so KLJ can process FAA grant reimbursement.
KLJ and commissioners also discussed the runway extension and land‑acquisition path. The FAA and KLJ said the county currently lacks the operational justification the FAA needs to approve a federally funded runway extension. Sindel urged the county to compile a list of carriers and air‑medical providers that have declined to use the field because of runway length (King Airs, Pilatus and LifeFlight were cited as examples) and to provide manufacturer minimums and denied flight examples; that documentation would be essential to an Environmental Assessment (EA) or documented Cat X procedure. Commissioners scheduled follow‑up discussion and asked KLJ to provide a written list of the steps and data needed to support the FAA application.
Sindel estimated scheduling and commissioning could take 30–60 days once paperwork and licensing are finalized. Airport board members present said equipment is staged at the hangar and Mesotech would schedule installation when the vendor paperwork is complete.
The action to sign the MSA amendment and related documents was carried on the floor; no public comment was recorded on that motion.
