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City urged to fund $200,000 replacement for airport weather system
Summary
Engineers told the board that BrookhavenCity's Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) is failing and that full replacement would cost about $200,000; FAA guidance could restrict airport operations if the system goes down, and staff said they will return with an RFP and procurement options.
Ryan Holmes of Duncan Engineering told the Brookhaven City board that the airportAutomated Weather Observation System (AWOS) is more than 20 years old and several sensors are failing, leaving pilots and the National Weather Service without reliable local data. Holmes said the city previously spent about $50,000 on upgrades in 2018 and that a full-system replacement would be roughly $200,000.
Holmes said AWOS provides live wind, visibility, temperature and pressure readings that are transmitted to approaching aircraft and the National Weather Service. A city official who met with an FAA technician said the FAA told them that a failed AWOS could place the airport on "restricted mode," potentially preventing many planes from landing.
Board members asked about funding and timing. Holmes and another presenter said FAA grants are an option but not guaranteed; they discussed financing alternatives and vendor financing and said the next step is preparing a request for proposals and the required public advertising. Holmes asked the board to be aware of the issue and said staff will return with procurement paperwork at a subsequent meeting.
The presentation emphasized operational and economic considerations: speakers said the airport supports local industry and that executives and athletic recruiters use the field. The board did not vote on funding at the meeting; presenters said they would return with an RFP and potential financing options.
