Troup County seeks contract to cut trees near Runway 21 after state assessments identify obstructions

Troy Anderson, the airport director, asked the board to approve a contract to clear obstructions near the approach end of Runway 21 after state assessments identified trees encroaching on navigable surfaces. Anderson said two bids were received, one was disqualified and Matthew & Jody's Tree Service — an approved county vendor — met the requirements and provided detailed line items for mobilization, cutting, hauling and stump grinding.

Anderson laid out the cost elements he expects: site preparation and mobilization roughly $20,000; tree cutting approximately $132,000 (about $1,000 per tree for an identified ~132 trees); hauling and disposal roughly $38,700; stump grinding about $26,000. He said staff will ask the board to approve the contract with a capped amount to account for additional trees that may be noted once crews are on site, and to authorize the airport director to sign so work can begin and meet a December 31 deadline.

Anderson emphasized the safety and funding rationale: he cited the county's airport fund and recent fuel‑sale margins as sources to cover the work and warned that failure to address obstructions could jeopardize future DOT/FAA funding. He also outlined a plan to reset the clearance baseline so that future routine growth would be the property owners' responsibility once the baseline is established. Staff will return the contract for formal approval on the regular meeting agenda; no vote occurred in the work session.