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International Falls commission approves MnDOT AWOS swap and $54,200 obstruction‑clearing contract
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Summary
The International Falls Koochiching County Airport Commission approved replacing an unreliable National Weather Service ASOS with a MnDOT‑owned AWOS and authorized up to $54,200 to coordinate tree clearing and bid work required by MnDOT; the project is largely FAA grant‑eligible, staff said.
The International Falls Koochiching County Airport Commission on March 25 approved replacing an aging National Weather Service ASOS with a MnDOT‑owned automated weather observation system (AWOS) and authorized a proposal to coordinate tree‑clearing work around the new site.
Sean (airport staff) told the commission MnDOT will supply the AWOS equipment at no cost but requires removal of obstructions near the installation. Staff proposed a $54,200 contract to solicit quotes and manage the clearing work; Sean said FAA funding would cover about 95 percent of design and construction costs for the site‑preparation work.
"They're providing all of the equipment, for free," Sean said, describing MnDOT’s offer. He added that clearing would also be an opportunity to identify other vegetation that could affect airport operations in the future.
A motion to approve the AWOS upgrade and the clearing coordination passed during the meeting. The transcript records the motion being made and the chair announcing a second; the motion carried without an on‑record opposing vote.
The commission’s staff noted the AWOS project is meant to address recurring problems with the airport’s prior weather sensor, which staff said has caused missed flights when it failed to report conditions. Next steps include contracting the clearing work and finalizing grant paperwork before construction and installation scheduling.
The commission did not specify an exact contractor in the meeting; staff said the clearing contract and final pay application will return for standard procurement and billing steps before any work begins.
