Airport Commission reviews runway rejuvenation work

The Fort Smith Airport Commission accepted bids Tuesday night (April 23) for a runway rejuvenation project that would extend the life of Runway 1-19 by another 10 years.

According to Greg D. Shipley of Morrison-Shipley Engineers, the firm awarded the initial engineering contract in February, four bids were received.

"The bids received ranged from $97,132.66 to $115,722.32 with the Engineer's cost opinion being $178,535."

The bids came from the following companies: Time Striping, Pavement Maintenance Unlimited, Arkansas Line Marking and Redstone Construction. All bids included site preparation, asphalt crack preparation and seal, asphalt rejuvenation, runway and taxiway painting and removal of old paint along the runway and taxiway.

"Based on our review of the bids, we have concluded that the lowest responsive bid was received from Time Striping Inc. of Van Buren," Shipley said.

At his recommendation, the commission accepted the company's bid contingent upon receipt of a grant. Airport Director John Parker said the airport itself would only pay for about 20% of the project, which he said in a memo would likely end up costing $130,832.66.

"We will apply for a state grant tomorrow morning (to help with cost)," he said, explaining that he did not expect action to be taken on the application until at least May.

The grant from the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics would provide $104,666.13 for the project, while the airport would contribute $26,166, according to Parker. Should the grant be awarded, he hopes to have construction begin during the summer and take no more than 60 days. He said work on the backup runway would not disrupt normal airport operations.