The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

September 5, 2010

Sole bid wins for Waseca airport work

Fuel tank to be replaced, tarmac cracks sealed

By Brian Ojanpa Free Press Staff Writer

WASECA — The good news is that upgrade work at the Waseca Municipal Airport will go forward.

The disappointing news is that the city received only one contractor’s bid to perform the task.

Acting City Engineer Russ Stammer said the relatively small size of the project coupled with the paperwork and regulations involved when federal grant money is used likely dissuaded other contractors from bidding.

“It’s not a requirement to have more than one bid, but ideally you’d like to have two or three,” Stammer said.

The work calls for replacement of a fuel tank and tarmac crack sealing at the single-runway airport.

The city this week received a grant that will provide project costs up to a maximum of $165,790.  North Dakota-based O’Day Equipment bid to do the project for $149,312.

Stammer’s estimate on the project’s cost was $119,750.

Despite what might be perceived as a cost overrun, City Manager Crystal Prentice and Mayor Roy Srp believe the City Council regards the bid as fair.

Prentice said the council passed on its option to re-open the bid process because it’s unlikely additional bids would surface.

Stammer said the city’s contracted engineering company, TKDA, recommended that the city go forward with the bid.

The work is expected to be done this fall.

Two years ago the airport constructed a new main building with the help of federal funds.     

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