Fort Smith Airport officials agree to rubber removal resolution

The Fort Smith Regional Airport Commission tonight (Sept. 24) approved a resolution authorizing Airport Director John Parker to execute a Military Construction Cooperative Agreement (MCCA) with the Air National Guard to remove rubber build up from runway 7/25 with the ANG paying for the removal. The agreement would also repaint markings on the runway.

The cost for the project is approximately $50,000 each time it is completed, Parker said in a memo, adding that the airport completes rubber removal on a semi-annual basis.

"Fort Smith Airport has normally done the removal every other year as needed with the last operation completed two years ago. At that time, additional work was added to the scope to remove military paint markings and install new designated military markings."

While the agreement between the airport and the ANG has been in affect and reimbursed without problems in all the years past, Parker did say that the work from two years ago has yet to be reimbursed. He said the reimbursement is simply awaiting a signature from the National Guard Bureau.

A representative from the ANG was not in attendance at the meeting to answer questions.

Parker has said he and airport staff will be in close contact with the National Guard Bureau to "close that open item."

In other business, the airport commission approved an resolution that amends various line items in the 2013 budget that more accurately reflect the airport's actual operating budget and approved a request for a waterline easement starting south of Savannah on the west side of the airport's security fence and traveling under Highway 45 before turning north through airport property designated as a runway protection zone.