RPA engineer outlines Toole County airport Phase 2 design; commissioners approve agreement amid funding uncertainty

Toole County commissioners on May 12 approved a base agreement and task orders with RPA Engineering to move the county airport Phase 2 project to 90% design, a step RPA said is necessary to pursue federal and state construction grants.

RPA representatives told commissioners that preliminary engineering, surveying and geotechnical studies are complete and that the immediate design work will cover runway and taxiway rehabilitation but may not include apron reconstruction unless additional funding becomes available. “Right now, it’s ... depending on where the next spending package comes in,” an RPA representative said, describing the current plan as primarily runway and taxiway design while continuing to press funders for apron work.

The consultant summarized grant funding norms the county should expect: 95% federal and 5% Montana Aeronautics funding in the current cycle, with the possibility of reverting to a 90/10 split in later years. RPA gave an example that on an $8 million reconstruction project a 90/10 split would mean an $800,000 local share; the firm estimated Montana Aeronautics might cover roughly $400,000 of that local responsibility but cautioned the exact amount is not guaranteed and depends on statewide apportionment.

RPA also described geotechnical findings that make simple reclamation less certain than in past local projects. The geotechnical report found an unusually high asphalt content in existing base material and recommended milling off about half a lane, trucking in gravel and repaving — rather than relying solely on in‑place reclamation — to achieve a reliable pavement section. The consultant said a full‑section reconstruction would be more expensive but would allow the county to strengthen the primary runway for heavier aircraft, meeting airport board goals to support dual‑wheel aircraft up to about 30,000 pounds.

The design scope the board approved will produce detailed three‑dimensional plan sets contractors can use for grading, along with bidding and construction administration documents. RPA noted the firm will also prepare sponsor certifications and grant application paperwork required by FAA and Montana Aeronautics.

Commissioners discussed strategies to structure bid packages as base bids with additive alternates so portions of work can be added or removed according to available funding. RPA reiterated the practical challenge for rural projects: staging a large reconstruction without on‑site hot‑mix facilities raises costs, so it is important to align design and construction timing to available funding.

After questions and a review of the selection and cost comparisons for RPA’s task orders, a commissioner moved to approve the base agreement and task orders; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff will prepare signature copies, and RPA will provide final budget figures before the county submits grant applications. The board adjourned without further action on the airport agenda item.