PORT ANGELES – Costs have increased for repaving tarmacs at William R. Fairchild International Airport, but the three port commissioners decided Monday to go ahead anyway.
Their decision was made easier because 95 percent of the cost will be paid by the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Port commissioners unanimously approved the $1.4 million contract with Lakeside Industries – subject to FAA approval – for repaving the airport’s western general aviation taxi lanes and aprons.
“The work must be done. Delay or rebidding is not an option,” Port Executive Director Bob McChesney said.
Airport Manager Jeff Robb said the pavement is showing signs of age – 28 years, against an expected life of 20 – and the effects of aircraft that now weigh more than 100,000 pounds, compared to 12,500 pounds when the tarmacs were built.
Repaving the western general aviation taxi lanes and aprons is eligible for 95 percent funding by the FAA, Robb said.
So the port’s 5 percent is about $55,000, he said.
