County staff provided an update on the airport improvement project, reporting that Phase 1 and Phase 2 plans are advancing and a drainage study has been sent to the state for review.

Staff said Phase 2 design includes a ditch along the east side of the new access road that will convey surface flows to a 15‑inch culvert to cross into state right‑of‑way. The team is evaluating whether to add a gutter drain along the frontage road and the parking area west of the SSM building because the area is relatively flat; staff noted concerns about ice and snow removal on new asphalt in flat areas.

On the north end of Phase 2, the waterline has been lowered and encased and new elevations established; staff expect a pending change order to address earthwork and elevation issues and noted that contractors are calculating quantities (several hundred cubic yards of fill may be required). The county reminded the project team of the federal/state completion requirement of July 31, 2026, and said they will discuss sequencing and base asphalt placement to protect new road construction over winter.

Ending: Staff scheduled a coordination meeting with contractors the next day to resolve the outstanding drainage and change‑order questions and to finalize a winter work and protection plan.