Airport committee approves current CIP; AWOS, fuel‑tank and PAPI projects advance

The airport committee voted to approve its current capital improvement plan (CIP) after staff presented updates on several runway and airfield projects, including an approved AWOS site, a grant‑funded Jet A fuel tank and pump replacement, and recommended PAPI replacements that will require temporary runway closures.

Christie, the staff presenter, told the committee that "the siting study has been completed and the location has been approved" for the AWOS system, which is shown on the packet map south of the runway. She said the City of Minot is finalizing environmental design and bidding and that relocation could occur in 2026.

On the fuel system, Christie said a grant was awarded to replace the Jet A tank and two pumps and that Mead & Hunt is preparing plans; staff expect to submit 90% plans, advertise for bids in mid‑March and open bids in April before moving to council consideration and related grant requests with Minot. "We're looking to submit 90% plans later this week, advertising for bids in mid‑March, opening bids in April," she said.

Staff also reported that following a Minot inspection it was recommended the PAPI units and bases be replaced; Mead & Hunt is designing that project and bidding and construction could follow this year. Christie warned that "there would be a time when those are being replaced that the runway would have to be shut down," and said staff will notify hangar tenants once contractor scheduling is known.

Committee members heard that the airport receives $150,000 per year in AIP‑eligible funds for newer airports and that those funds can be banked up to four years (creating a practical $600,000 threshold) before projects must compete for discretionary funding nationwide. Christie said the CIP includes longer‑range items — new taxiways, access roads and eventual runway/taxiway reconstruction — many of which would require competitive FAA discretionary funding and coordination with MnDOT.

Other updates included a grant‑funded snow‑plow truck now on site, and work on an updated disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) plan following recent legal and policy changes. Staff also noted a pending application under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) for replacement snow removal equipment.

Nisa Meyer moved to approve proceeding with the current CIP; the motion was seconded and approved by a voice vote with all in favor. Christie said staff will continue moving forward and will return to the committee with the CIP next year.

The committee also heard staff announce that the FAA requires a five‑year RFP for engineering services and that the city will run the solicitation this year; Mead & Hunt has been the current provider and committee members interested in serving on the review panel should notify staff by mid‑March.