Waterloo Times

The Waterloo City Council met on April 3 where they discussed work and improvements at the Waterloo Regional Airport, and also approved several projects.

The council approved a pavement rehabilitation project for the primary runway, as well as Taxiway Alpha East and Taxiway Echo. The contract was awarded to American Road Maintenance out of Tuccon for $543,285. A pavement reconstruction project for Taxiway West was awarded to Owen Contracting Inc. out of Cedar Falls, Iowa for $2,507,493.75.

“Actually, I'm pleased with the three bids that we did receive, the engineer, looking at all bids and how tight they were amongst the three estimated high,” said Airport Director Keith Kaspari. “Simply due to the material costs involved in that extensive surface project for those three surfaces at the airport. So, I think when you look at the engineer's estimate of $1,161,100 and then what we got, and my understanding is the the low bidder also, that's their headquarters office. But they have a regional office in the Chicago area. So, they do this work all over the country. So, I hope that answers your question that we're going to be very pleased with the end product. 45 days estimated start to finish. 

The next three contracts included work on the airport fire station parking and roadway access. It was awarded to Lodge Construction of Clarksville, Iowa for the low bid amount of $166,369. This was just above the engineer’s estimate.

Also approved was a contract with Ward Diesel Filter Systems of Horseheads, New York in the amount of $22,104 to install a vehicle exhaust system. The council approved a contract for roof repairs for Hangars one and two, as well. The contract was awarded to Modern Builders, Inc. out of Janesville, Iowa. This project has a total cost of $33,948.

The airport provides commercial airline services to O’Hare International Airport and services communities from all over Iowa and the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro area, according to the airport website. The airport is open each day from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. and also has an FAA operated air traffic control tower, terminals, hangars, car rentals and two runways. Construction of these runways dates back to 1944. The primary runway is 8399 by 150 feet, and the second one is smaller at 6003 by 150 feet. There are also taxiways and parking areas for the 75 planes there.