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Ames outlines $25–27 million runway reconstruction; staff details phasing, FAA grant timing and closure impacts
Summary
City staff presented a schedule and risk‑management plan for full reconstruction of the main runway at Ames Municipal Airport, estimating $25–27 million in work, a phased FAA grant approach to limit city exposure, and a planned multi-month closure window for the main runway during paving.
City staff updated the City Council of the City of Ames on May 26 about a planned full reconstruction of the main runway at Ames Municipal Airport, outlining schedule, funding strategy, and operational impacts.
Staff explained the reconstruction would replace the existing runway to support much larger aircraft weights and improve long‑term pavement performance. The expected cost range is roughly $25–27 million; because of typical federal grant processes the city will seek two separate FAA grants (one in the current federal fiscal year at a 95% share, and a follow-up grant in the next year at a roughly 90% share) to limit the City’s local financial exposure.
Bids are scheduled to be received June 30; staff will return July 14 with a recommendation and use the bid to structure FAA grant financing and phasing. Staff emphasized contract phasing and notice-to-proceed controls designed to avoid committing the city to unfunded work if the second grant does not materialize.
Operational impacts include a planned full closure of the main runway during major paving operations (anticipated April–October of the paving year) and partial operations on the crosswind runway; the staff presentation discussed strategies to minimize closure time and encourage continuous work so the airport closure does not extend across multiple seasons. Airport users and the FBO have been on staff distribution lists and were given advance notice.
Council members asked about the rationale for expanding weight capacity (to accommodate larger charter and private aircraft, often driven by athletics and business users) and whether a pro forma for long‑term operations had been prepared. Staff said maintenance costs should decrease in the near term because the new pavement will reduce current patching and crack sealing needs; long‑term operational effects will be evaluated in future budget cycles.
Outcome: Informational presentation; staff will present plans and specifications on June 9, seek bid recommendations on July 14, and proceed with FAA grant coordination and contract phasing.
