City officials in Gainesville are considering the approval of $600,000 in funding for improvements to the terminal area of Lee Gilmer Airport, most of which will come from federal funding.
The project is actually three seperate items pulled together, with $448,850 going to construction, $101,000 going to project management and $70,800 going to design work, according to city documents; $35,000 are coming from the city's airport fund.
"This is just a project that's been slated to improve that terminal," Terry Plamer, airport manager at Gainesville City Council's work session Thursday morning. "The asphalt out there is just very aged, and in need of replacement."
Construction is slated to begin in late June, and should wrap up by late July, said Palmer.
Will this full depth reclamation — a way of making all the asphalt even throughout — allow for more commercial flights at the airport?
"That's still to be determined. Some of our asphalt ratings were pretty low in this area, with a lot of cracking in the pavement. This is getting that up, and getting the strength back to where it should be," said Palmer.
The project had been delayed in the economic downturn, but that ultimately led to a boost in funding.
"I think (the initial grant) was in the $300,000 range, but due to sequestration in 2013 the project got delayed. But when the grant came back to the city, it went up to about $540,000," said Palmer. "So (waiting) was a good problem."
Three different companies will carry out the various parts of the project. Construction will be handled by Pittman Construction Company, project management will be handled by Lead Eagle Design Group and design work will be handled by WK Dickson.
Council will give the matter a final vote at their voting meeting Tuesday night at 5:30 p.m.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/4/388063/gainesville-city-council-moves-forward-with-airport-improvements