Airport authority seeks $75,000 work order to design midfield utilities under federal grant

The airport director told the council the city is asking to authorize a $75,000 work order with the engineering consultant to design utilities for the airport midfield.

The design work will cover water, electric and gas for roughly 15 acres intended to create build‑ready sites. The director said the design is a reimbursable aspect of a larger project that has already received grant funding under the bipartisan infrastructure law; the city’s local share for the design is being covered by the grant rather than current city operating funds.

The mayor and council asked clarifying questions about scope and whether the airport’s fire suppression responsibilities remain within city jurisdiction; staff said further discussion is required on fire suppression since the airport lies inside city limits.

Next steps: Staff will include the work order and related grant documentation in the upcoming business agenda, and councilors expected to vote at a future regular meeting after materials and any necessary easements or approvals are finalized.