County to transfer expiring FAA/IIJA airport funds to Priest River; awards pavement contract to low bidder

Bonner County commissioners on May 19 approved two airport items: initiating an FAA/AIP and IIJA funds transfer to Priest River Airport to preserve expiring entitlements and awarding a pavement‑maintenance contract to the low responsive bidder, Road Products LLC.

Bonner County Airports Director Shook told the board that the transfer would move IIJA funds (stated in the packet as about $71,473) and AIP non‑primary entitlement funds ($465,743 as read into the record) from Sandpoint to Priest River at the FAA level so the county can use money that otherwise would expire. "This transfer does not change the county's match or responsibilities," Director Shook said. He recommended initiating the transfer so grants earmarked for Priest River projects — including taxi‑lane/apron reimbursements and potential snow‑removal‑equipment building work — can proceed.

On the pavement project, Shook said bids were publicly opened and reviewed; the low bid was $154,187, roughly 7% under the engineer’s estimate, and engineering recommended awarding to Road Products LLC. Commissioners asked about insurance; Shook confirmed the contract will require a general‑liability minimum of $1,000,000 and that grant requirements could raise that figure if applicable.

The board moved, seconded and approved both the fund transfer authorization and the contract award by roll call. Staff said some of the non‑primary entitlement funds must be used within four years to avoid expiration and that transferring entitlements helps preserve those dollars.

Next steps: county staff will administratively sign the fund‑transfer documents and finalize the contract with Road Products LLC, including the required insurance certificate and any grant‑specific conditions.