Board approves contingency to add concrete turn on taxi lane C if H2 Aviation commits local share

The Goshen City Airport Board on June 1 discussed additional work on the Taxi Lane C construction after contractors encountered more topsoil than expected and some haul-route damage.

Daniel (speaker 8) told the board that additional excavation and fill work increased the chance of a change order (he estimated about $25,000 for extra excavation). He also advised that converting a firm turn area for aircraft would require roughly $74,000 more and could be eligible for FAA grant funding, but that grant amendments beyond 15% would create sponsor liability for costs above that threshold.

Board members heard that H2 Aviation has agreed to pay the local share (2.5% or 5% depending on state participation) and that staff had met with H2 Aviation owners to confirm willingness to cover the local portion and any additional overages; the board requested the commitment in writing. The board then moved and approved a change order authorization for Milestone Contractors to add the concrete turn, contingent on receiving written confirmation from H2 Aviation that it will cover the 5% local responsibility and any additional overage should the project exceed FAA amendment limits.

Don (speaker 5) reminded the board that making the area a permanent hard surface would require stormwater and engineering review; board members agreed to pursue the contingency rather than forcing an immediate permanent improvement. The vote carried, and staff were directed to draft the change order language and secure H2 Aviation’s written commitment before instructing Milestone to proceed.

Next steps include securing the written commitment from H2 Aviation and finalizing pricing for the estimated excavation and paving work before bringing a final contract amendment to the board if necessary.