Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Airport Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves emergency design agreement to replace two jet bridges at Joplin Regional Airport
Summary
To meet FAA funding deadlines the Joplin City Council approved an emergency agreement for design and bidding services to replace two aging jet bridges at Joplin Regional Airport, with most costs covered by federal ATP and AIP grants and a small local match.
The Joplin City Council on first reading approved an emergency agreement with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly to design and bid replacement passenger boarding bridges for Gates 1 and 2 at Joplin Regional Airport.
Staff said the current boarding bridges (relocated from Springfield and installed in 2009) have exceeded their useful life; one bridge has been out of service for months because of mechanical damage. The council was told the FAA awarded the airport a Fiscal Year 2025 Airport Terminal Program (ATP) grant of up to $1,660,000 to design and replace one bridge, and the airport is also eligible for up to $1,300,000 in Airport Improvement Program (AIP)/AIG funding. The total design and bidding services agreement is not to exceed $97,810.88; federal funds will cover the majority with a local share of approximately $4,890.54.
Airport staff said the design and bid schedule must be complete by June to secure ATP funding; council passed the emergency ordinance so the city can meet FAA time limitations. Staff estimated construction and final bridge replacement to occur roughly 18 months after bidding and contractor selection.
Staff and airport board recommended replacing both bridges to avoid future ground-loading operations that expose passengers to weather and complicate boarding for passengers with reduced mobility. Council approved the emergency measure 8–1 with 1 member absent.
What council recorded: the motion passed on emergency basis to meet grant deadlines; staff will return to council with contract bids and a proposed timeline for procurement and installation.
