Airport board approves $12,293.40 south taxiway access and apron extension

The Broadwater County Airport Board voted to approve construction of a new access approach and a 160‑ft by 12‑ft apron extension on the south taxiway, attaching $12,293.40 to the project.

Public works staff described building the approach using existing millings set on a gravel base, with local road equipment (grader, roller, loader and dump trucks) providing labor and material placement. The proposal aims to provide safe turning radii for semitrailers, improved loading for firefighting operations and a formal access point for apron operations that will reduce heavy traffic on the north taxiway.

Board members discussed timing and construction logistics. Staff recommended late July as a tentative start, avoiding Whiteman Rodeo (July 17–18) and the county fair in early August. The board agreed temporary movable barricades should be installed while the fence is opened for construction to prevent unwanted vehicle access.

County staff noted the project could later be submitted for state aeronautics grant money retroactively (as has been done for prior Canyon Ferry work), but the board approved attaching the $12,293.40 expenditure to the airport operating budget now to allow work to proceed if the commission concurs. The motion passed with a majority vote.

What comes next: staff will coordinate scheduling with the road crew, notify airport users of the work window, and forward the budget recommendation to the county commission for final approval.