Runway Safety Area Project: Contract
bids were awarded and the go ahead given on May 4th.
Bruce explained this years work will include the completion
of the perimeter road around runway 16R-34L, installation of
sheet piling wall through wetland 25 to install a
mechanically stabilized earth wall, construction of new
intersections A1 & A9, shifting the localizer antenna
1400’ south, installation of a MALSF approach lighting
system to runway 34L, and construction of noise berms at the
Boeing south ramp and at the Northwest Territories, land and
hold short lights on 34L-16R, and the new computerized
lighting control systems in the tower. The fill dirt for
this project, nearly 250,000 yards, will come from the
Northwest Territories. Construction of A1 will also include
the installation of an aircraft de-icing facility, which
will bring the airport into compliance with Washington State
Department of Ecology guidelines. Bruce explained some of
the timing issues associated with shifting of runway 16R’s
threshold during the A1 construction, and the shifting of
runway 34L’s threshold during the construction of the
piling wall and safety area grading. Bruce also explained
the need to have the ILS system down for six weeks during
August and September.
There was a question as to why the change
in construction methods because there is no longer going to
be a freeze wall used at the south safety area project.
Bruce and Bill answered by explaining the benefits
associated with the contractor’s proposal say it was
faster, cheaper, and the risk was on the contractor.
New Air Traffic Control Tower:
Phase 1 should begin in July with the new tower’s
foundation being put in place. The FAA has $1 million to
complete the first phase, after which the site will be
buttoned up until they receive the remaining money to
complete the tower.
West-Side Commercial: Dave
discussed the possible long-term commercial development of
the west side of the airport, assuring that only land that
is not aviation accessible will be used for commercial
purposes. These include the area north of the northwest
territories, the land in the area of the Sheriffs shooting
range and a small triangle parcel next to the Speedway just
south of the Aulinger wetland.
Master Plan Update: Bill Dolan
discussed the plans for the upcoming Airport Master Plan
Update. The Airport would like to start work on the update
within the next few months, however, it is uncertain whether
the FAA will be able to assist in the full scope of funding
needed this year. Bill also explained that the Master Plan
Update would hold several hearings as well as a scaled down
version of the previous working group consisting both on and
off airport representatives.