Construction, repair projects starting at GC International Airport
CHERYL SCHWEIZER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 2 months AGO
Portions of the Port of Moses Lake will get a bit of a facelift in the next few months as construction crews get to work repairing and upgrading facilities.
COURTESY PHOTO/GOOGLE MAPS
Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer is a journalist with more than 30 years of experience serving small communities in the Pacific Northwest. She began her post-high-school education at Treasure Valley Community College and enerned her journalism degree at Oregon State University. After working for multiple publications, she has settled down at the Columbia Basin Herald and has been a staple of the newsroom for more than a decade. Schweizer’s dedication to her communities and profession has earned her the nickname “The Baroness of Bylines.” She covers a variety of beats including health, business and various municipalities. | January 28, 2025 1:30 AM
MOSES LAKE — Construction and repair projects will be starting soon at the Grant County International Airport.
Airport Director Rich Mueller said contractors are working on preparations for the reconstruction of the apron – a type of aircraft shelter – on the west taxiway, a project started in 2024.
“With the new year we have started conversations with Central Washington Asphalt,” Mueller told port commissioners Monday. “We had a little bit of a (review), just to make sure that they had everything, and we had everything, and we were able to get that done. So, I’ll be talking to them this week about when they want to start taking some of the old concrete out.”
The apron is designed to accommodate aircraft for the purposes of loading and unloading.
Commissioners approved a contract for about $43,000 with Stan’s Construction and Sons, Moses Lake, for repairs to the roof over the entrance to the airport terminal. Facilities Director Milton Miller said the cost will be higher than the contract price.
“Before the holiday (commissioners) pre-approved to award this contract for up to a fixed amount,” Miller said. “This is letting you know what the cost is. And be aware there will be a change order to this (project).”
Miller said the $43,000 will cover the cost of repairing the actual damage to the structure, but additional work will be necessary to make it look more aesthetically pleasing.
Commissioners also approved additional costs for the construction of a new maintenance building inside the airport fence. Graham Construction, Spokane, is the contractor.
Miller said the bill for about $55,950 reflected an additional task that he thought was included – but wasn’t — in an earlier agreement with the Grant County Public Utility District.
Another revision to the contract for the storage building for about $4,700 reflected changes in the building codes, which required some revisions to the electrical and other energy systems, Miller said.
In answer to a question, he said port officials are still negotiating to acquire rights of way on three pieces of property, the last needed as part of a long-term project to bring rail service back to the port.
Construction could begin sometime this year, Miller said.
“We’re just waiting for three more properties for a possession and use (agreement),” Miller said. “But it’s fully designed.”
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