Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Airport Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Oscoda County approves design contract for Dennis Kauffman Memorial Airport apron and taxi lanes
Summary
The Oscoda County Board on Nov. 12 approved a Mead & Hunt design contract for hangar taxi lanes and apron at Dennis Kauffman Memorial Airport and adopted an MDOT grants resolution; discussion cited federal and state funding matches and approach-surface tree obstructions affecting easements.
The Oscoda County Board of Commissioners voted Nov. 12 to accept a design contract with engineering firm Mead & Hunt for hangar taxi lanes and an apron at Dennis Kauffman Memorial Airport and to authorize execution of related MDOT grants.
Ben Hoover of Mead & Hunt presented documents outlining current funding options, including non-primary entitlements and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocations. Board discussion noted that Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) projects have historically been funded at roughly a 90% federal, 5% state and 5% local match. The presentation said most project easements are already in place; the board was told one property lacks an easement and the owner "may be entitled to compensation." Assistant Airport Manager Brian Smutek had staff from Mead & Hunt mark identified approach-surface tree obstructions last week to return the airport license to good standing, the board was told.
Commissioner Charles E. Varner Jr. emphasized the airport's role in emergency response and public safety, saying the airport is "invaluable, and is utilized by various emergency services and for the safety of our community." The board approved the contract (Project No. 1511100-250075.01; MDOT Job No. 208789) on a unanimous roll-call vote (motion 2024-289).
The board also adopted Resolution 2024-017 allowing the chair to authorize execution of grants from the Michigan Department of Transportation Office of Aeronautics to support airport work; that motion likewise passed unanimously (motion 2024-290).
Next steps identified by board members and consultants include completing the Airport Layout Plan update, resolving approach-surface obstructions, and advancing pavement marking, crack sealing and apron design work so construction can be scheduled once funding is secured and easements or compensation issues are resolved.
