Grand Island to overhaul failing sewer line to airport with federal funds
GRAND ISLAND, Neb — A shiny new airport terminal has served record numbers of passengers in Grand Island. But infrastructure serving it may be reaching the point of failure as the community invests big bucks in a sewer upgrade.
CENTRAL NEBRASKA REGIONAL AIRPORT EXPERIENCING GROWTH
The winning bid is just over $6 million, which is less than projected and will be paid for with federal funds as the city and county use their recovery dollars to deal with this World War II era sewer line.
"The airport is one of the critical pieces of infrastructure that supports the city," said John Collins, Public Works Director for the City of Grand Island.
GRAND ISLAND AIRPORT TO UPGRADE FAILING SEWER SYSTEM USING FEDERAL RECOVERY FUNDS
The winning bid is for a Minnesota contractor. A local contractor had a bid not too much higher, leading to questions from county commissioners but the county’s legal staff says they have to go with the low bid.
Engineers say it will be an extensive project serving not only the Central Nebraska Regional Airport but the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center as well as businesses in the airport industrial park.
It will require new sewer mains, lift stations, and related facilities.
The county board approved the project Tuesday morning before going to the city council for a vote. The city and county are splitting the cost, using federal recovery dollars, Collins said.
