Staff reports positive FAA review, grandstand fundraising and an approximate $6 million project estimate

County staff provided a project update Aug. 3, reporting a favorable meeting with the Federal Aviation Administration and state airport officials and outlining next steps for site prep, paving and fundraising.

Staff member (speaker 3) said the FAA and state were "very impressed with the agreements we've been making throughout the last 5 to 6 years and the major investments that you guys have contributed towards that project," and said Park Enterprise will begin work Saturday and paving is scheduled the following Monday. On project finances, staff reported an initial third‑party number "about $6,000,000" and said the county has incurred roughly $500,000 in soft costs so far; staff said they planned a Friday meeting with the third‑party reviewer before moving toward a formal bid package.

The staff also described a fundraising program for replacement grandstands called "$200 to circle," offering 200 memberships at $1,200 each with benefits such as two tickets to a thank‑you reception and other project updates for contributors.