Jefferson County awards Phase 2 contracts and amends budget for Watertown International Airport terminal project
February 01, 2026 | Jefferson County, New York
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Jefferson County’s Board of Legislators on Feb. 3 authorized Phase 2 construction contracts for the Watertown International Airport Terminal Gateway Project and amended the 2026 County Budget and six‑year capital plan to fund the work.
Legislator Robert D. Ferris presented recommended awards after the county completed bidding for Phase 2. Low bidders recommended for Base Bid plus Alternative 1 include Black Horse Group, LLC for general construction at $2,056,446; Hyde‑Stone Mechanical Contractors Inc. for plumbing at $348,386 and mechanical at $225,058; and Northern Pioneer Contractors Inc. for electrical at $321,400. The Board also authorized McFarland Johnson to provide construction observation and grant administration services at a cost not to exceed $368,000.
The resolution anticipated additional project expenses—furniture, fire‑suppression upgrades and contingencies—not to exceed $280,710, and referenced anticipated Clean Energy Tax Credits to be realized later in 2026. The Board recorded anticipated FAA IIJA AIG grant funding ($1,474,804), a NYSDOT match ($38,810) and a County local match ($38,811), bringing the stated total local share to $531,196. The County noted available funds in the Airport Terminal Capital Account and reallocated funds from projects the county expects to accomplish in 2027 in order to cover terminal reconstruction costs in 2026.
The resolution authorizes the Chairman to execute the contracts and any change orders as recommended by the Director of Aviation and County Administrator, subject to County Attorney review. The award passed on a roll-call vote with all members present voting aye; two legislators were absent.
Next steps outlined in the resolution include execution of the contracts, project administration by McFarland Johnson, and grant administration tasks required to draw federal and state grant funds. Budget amendments and the capital plan update were recorded in the resolution text.
Contract and budget details are specified in the resolution; staff were directed to proceed with procurement and contract execution within available funding.
Legislator Robert D. Ferris presented recommended awards after the county completed bidding for Phase 2. Low bidders recommended for Base Bid plus Alternative 1 include Black Horse Group, LLC for general construction at $2,056,446; Hyde‑Stone Mechanical Contractors Inc. for plumbing at $348,386 and mechanical at $225,058; and Northern Pioneer Contractors Inc. for electrical at $321,400. The Board also authorized McFarland Johnson to provide construction observation and grant administration services at a cost not to exceed $368,000.
The resolution anticipated additional project expenses—furniture, fire‑suppression upgrades and contingencies—not to exceed $280,710, and referenced anticipated Clean Energy Tax Credits to be realized later in 2026. The Board recorded anticipated FAA IIJA AIG grant funding ($1,474,804), a NYSDOT match ($38,810) and a County local match ($38,811), bringing the stated total local share to $531,196. The County noted available funds in the Airport Terminal Capital Account and reallocated funds from projects the county expects to accomplish in 2027 in order to cover terminal reconstruction costs in 2026.
The resolution authorizes the Chairman to execute the contracts and any change orders as recommended by the Director of Aviation and County Administrator, subject to County Attorney review. The award passed on a roll-call vote with all members present voting aye; two legislators were absent.
Next steps outlined in the resolution include execution of the contracts, project administration by McFarland Johnson, and grant administration tasks required to draw federal and state grant funds. Budget amendments and the capital plan update were recorded in the resolution text.
Contract and budget details are specified in the resolution; staff were directed to proceed with procurement and contract execution within available funding.
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