Meriwether County OKs up to $200,000 local match to secure FAA funds for airport apron rehab

The Meriwether County Board of Commissioners voted April 13 to provide up to $200,000 from excess revenue to serve as the county's local match for an estimated $1.2 million Federal Aviation Administration and Georgia Department of Aviation grant to rehabilitate the airport apron.

The request came from Mike Watson, chairman of the Airport Authority, who said the work is tied to an FAA inspection that cited deterioration of the ramp/apron and erosion near the southeast side of the runway. Watson told the Board that the FAA's support would cover roughly 8320percent of the work and that the county's share would be roughly 1620percent, estimated at up to $200,000.

Why it matters: Watson said the apron condition presents a safety and maintenance risk for based and transient aircraft and that leveraging federal and state dollars now would reduce the county's out-of-pocket cost compared with addressing the issue later without grant support. Board members pressed for details on contractor and engineering requirements and whether the county's existing engineering vendors could be used to reduce costs.

"Contractors must meet FAA specifications," Watson said, adding that the Airport Authority typically uses an engineering firm on the FAA-approved list to prepare specifications, oversee work and participate in final FAA inspection. "They will review paving thickness, materials and other requirements and the FAA will inspect before final payment." He added later, "a mile of road will take you a mile, but a mile of runway will take you all over the world," arguing the airport's economic potential.

Commissioner Adam Worsley pressed whether the county's contracted engineers could manage the work at a lower fee; Watson and County Administrator John Gorton explained the Airport Authority had contracted Lead Edge Design, a firm with FAA experience, and that engineering fees for similar projects commonly run in the 10—2% range. Commissioners asked for clarity over whether the work would be an overlay or full replacement and whether engineering fees in this project were higher than past projects; staff said final specifications will be included in bid documents and that awarding a contract without available funding would be avoided.

What the Board decided: By motion of Commissioner Worsley, seconded by Vice Chair Jennifer Snelson, the Board approved providing the local match not to exceed $200,000, to be funded from excess revenue. The motion passed unanimously. County Administrator John Gorton said the payment timing will depend on bid awards and construction scheduling and that the Board will see any required budget amendments.

Next steps: The Airport Authority will proceed with bid documents and submit them as part of the FAA's required documentation. If bids exceed available funding, the Authority must return to the Board for additional appropriation. Watson said the Authority is pursuing hangar development and other projects to grow airport revenue, but agreed specifics on contractor selection, engineering percentages and final scope will be provided as bids and contracts are developed.