Auburn council approves emergency contract to repair airport approach lights

The Auburn City Council on Jan. 26 approved an emergency contract with Norris Electrical to repair precision approach path indicator (PAPI) lights at Auburn Airport after the lights were struck in December.

Airport Manager Ty Richardson told the council the damaged PAPI system required replacement of high-voltage components and that staff had received a single bid from Norris Electrical. "These lights, in my knowledge, have not been hit before," Richardson said, describing both the safety hazard and the need for prompt repairs. He said the contractor had previously worked at the airport and helped secure the site.

Council members questioned whether physical protections could prevent a repeat strike. "Bollards or something like that would cause extra damage to the aircraft and actually violate some of the FAA's rules about the runway protection zone," Richardson responded, saying that fixed barriers were likely not an option under FAA requirements.

Council member Holmes moved to approve emergency contracting for the PAPI light repairs; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with Amara, Stone Calvio, Holmes, Bridal Harris and Mayor Kelly Davis recorded as voting Aye.

The emergency authorization allows the city to proceed immediately with identified repairs to return the runway lighting to service. Richardson thanked Auburn Police for assistance in securing the site during the repair process.

The council did not set additional mitigation requirements for the runway protection zone; Richardson offered to consult with airport contractors about other noninvasive preventive measures if council desires. The work is expected to be coordinated with normal airport operations and FAA guidance.