Junction City approves Benish Engineering hire and FAA‑funded design for Runway 18/36 rehab

The Junction City Commission voted to hire Benish Engineering as the city—s five‑year airport consultant and approved an engineering services agreement to begin design on the rehabilitation of Runway 18/36.

City staff told commissioners the FAA has awarded an aviation grant of approximately $4,038,000 for rehabilitation work on the runway, and that the FAA grant will cover the bulk of the design cost while the city—s local match for the overall project is expected to be roughly 10 percent. City staff recommended approving a design‑phase engineering agreement for $509,393; staff said the design fee will be covered through the grant and the city previously set aside funding to meet its match obligations. "We submitted an application for over $4,000,000 to reconstruct the runway," a Benish representative said, and staff said design approval could occur in June with construction expected in 2027.

Commissioners asked how the city—s match would be paid and whether additional grants could reduce the local share. Staff said for the current fiscal year some FAA funding ratios are 95/5 and that the city is pursuing other state options to help cover the 5–10 percent local obligation. The motion to approve the engineering agreement carried on a voice vote.

The commission also accepted Benish as the airport consultant after staff said the city received a single proposal during its RFQ process. Benish—s representative clarified there is no annual retainer; the firm will work on projects as they arise under a master services agreement. Staff will return with bids and a recommended contractor after the design phase.