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County accepts NCDOT design grant for Smith Reynolds Airport fencing; local match set at $6,841
Summary
Forsyth County staff asked commissioners to approve a design agreement with AVCON and accept a $61,560 NCDOT grant covering 90% of design costs for an airport security and wildlife fence estimated at $1.86 million; county’s 10% local match for design is $6,841 and AVCON’s task order totals $68,401.
Forsyth County leaders were briefed on a security and wildlife-management fencing project at Smith Reynolds Airport that staff say is intended to reduce wildlife strikes and improve airfield safety.
Mark Davidson, the airport director, said a preliminary layout measures about 8,100 feet and the total anticipated project cost is approximately $1.86 million. He told commissioners a recent visit from NCDOT officials led to a grant opportunity: NCDOT has awarded a 90% grant to cover design assistance and will consider a 90% construction grant after bids are received.
Under the proposal Davidson presented, AVCON Engineers and Planners would provide design, construction documents, grant administration and bidding assistance under task order 260‑01 for $68,401. Based on the grant, the county’s 10% design match would be $6,841; the design fee represents roughly 4% of the total projected project cost.
Davidson said the county will seek construction bids after design is complete; if bids are consistent with the preliminary estimate, NCDOT would issue a construction grant covering 90% of eligible construction costs and the county would provide the 10% local match.
Commissioners asked about wildlife frequency and safety. Davidson said wildlife sightings—especially deer—occur regularly and noted a strike earlier in the year. He described the project as a safety priority for aircraft operations.
The briefing closed with staff asking the board to authorize execution of the grant agreement and the design contract with AVCON, and to amend the capital projects ordinance to accept and appropriate the grant funds.
