As the summer construction season draws to a close, it is a perfect time to provide an update on the four capital improvement projects that were undertaken at the Northern Maine Regional Airport.
Of the four, three of them are either fully complete or will be in a matter of a few weeks. These projects include the rebuilding of a portion of the airport’s main taxiway, the removal of a man-made pond and a pavement crack sealing project. The fourth project involved the construction of a five-unit aircraft hangar complex, which should be completed next summer.
The Taxiway Alpha reconstruction was a $5.2 million project that began in 2016. The project included the replacement of drainage, gravel base material, edge lighting and 30-plus-year-old pavement. The strength of the taxiway was increased substantially with over 10 inches of pavement installed. In addition, an old, unsightly water pumping station building from the military days was removed. An additional benefit of the project was that the old base gravel materials were reused as fill for a five-unit aircraft hangar complex. The funding for 97.5 percent of the project came from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT). The FAA completed their final inspection in August after the project was substantially completed. The only remaining item is for the final coat of paint for the pavement markings to be applied.
Within just the last couple weeks, the $375,000 pond removal project was completed. The project included the removal of a man-made pond that did not exist prior to the 1970s. Over the last few years, the pond had become a significant attractant for Canada geese. These and other birds are a big hazard to aircraft. An aircraft crash caused by a flock of Canada geese was the subject matter of the recent movie entitled “Miracle on the Hudson”. The cost of the project was significantly reduced by reusing fill material from the Taxiway Alpha project. The funding for 97.5 percent of this project also came from the FAA and MDOT. This project included the removal of another old, unsightly water treatment building from the military days.
A pavement crack sealing project was also completed in just the last couple of weeks. All the pavement cracks on the airfield were sealed. This prevents water from getting in the cracks. Water entering these cracks washes some of the base material away. In addition, when the water freezes, it actually opens the cracks up even wider. By completing these projects annually, the airport is able to extend the life of the pavement by more than 50 percent. The project this year was able to be completed for almost 50 percent less cost as compared to last year. Some innovative bidding techniques suggested by the airport maintenance foreman significantly reduced the price of this project.
The fourth capital improvement project will not be completed until 2018. The project includes the construction of a five-unit hangar complex for housing small aircraft. The single hangar building is separated into five units. The design of the project is almost complete with a few minor issues to be resolved. Through the winter the design will be completed and the project bid. The actual construction will be completed in the summer of 2018. A portion of this project will be funded by a $250,000 grant obtained from the Northern Border Commission. The remainder of the project costs will be financed with the loan payment being covered by monthly rental proceeds.
Scott Wardwell is airport director for the city of Presque Isle’s Northern Maine Regional Airport. He can be reached at 764-2550 or via email at scottw@flypresqueisle.com.
