The Brownwood City Council unanimously approved Tuesday spending $30,899.90 of the City reserves – the equivalent of one-third of a day of the 93 days of funds currently in the reserves – to bring the taxiways and aprons at the Brownwood Regional Airport into conformance with FAA and state standards.

TxDOT put the project out to bid in November of 2020. Only one bid was received by Texas Material Group, and it was over budget. TxDOT put the project out for bid again with the assistance of Centurion Engineering. A bid opening was held on April 29, 2021. There were five bids received, with Jay Mills Company being the lowest bidder. TxDOT has informed the City that Jay Mills has a good track record with the aviation projects they have done.

The Jay Mills contracting construction contract cost is $ 1,015,914.25, while the Centurion Construction Administration and QA cost is $ 199,337.78. The total estimated project cost is $1,317,298.96, and the estimated City share, which includes a COVID Relief Fund discount, is $30,899.90.

The taxiways and aprons at the airport have had very little maintenance since 2001. The project has been several years in the making. It was originally approved by City Council on Aug. 28, 2018 as a 10% local contribution. Engineering and design work took over a year to complete. The City paid for its portion of engineering ($9,036) in two payments in 2018 and 2020.

The project should begin in September and will have 180 days to complete.