Torrington council awards $239,630 airport seal‑coat and pavement‑marking contract; YDOT to cover 90%

The Torrington City Council on April 7 approved a recommendation that the Wyoming Department of Transportation award a $239,630.50 contract to Straight Stripe Painting Inc., of St. George, Utah, for the FY27 seal‑coat and pavement‑marking project at Torrington Municipal Airport.

Jeff Harkins, Torrington’s director of public works, told the council the project covers seal coating and reestablishing pavement markings on the main runway, crosswind runway and airport taxiways. He said the low bid from Straight Stripe Painting was $116,575 (32.7%) under the engineer’s estimate and that 90% of eligible construction costs are reimbursable by YDOT, leaving a 10% city participation requirement.

The council read Resolution 2026‑05, which recommends YDOT award project ATO012A to Straight Stripe Painting, then voted unanimously to award the bid and authorize the mayor and clerk to sign the resolution. Harkins said the state is moving to a seven‑year cycle for seal coating, so this round presents a timely opportunity for the airport.

Harkins also noted the engineering contract for the work had been previously approved (not to exceed $28,261) and that engineering costs are reimbursable at the same 90/10 split. The bid opening for the statewide contract was held March 31; Harkins said four contractors submitted bids and Straight Stripe Painting met the bidding requirements.

The council’s action is contingent on funding availability from YDOT; council members emphasized the cost effectiveness of the 90% state reimbursement for local participation. Mayor Herb Dobie said the resolution provides documentation YDOT requires for its accounting and audit purposes.

The city administration said construction is expected to occur after July 1, when the FY27 budget begins, and that Torrington requested to be scheduled later in the statewide cycle to meet budgeting needs.