Local contractors encouraged to rebid on the airport terminal project

More bidders are being sought for the Barkley Regional Airport first phase of construction on the new passenger terminal project. Originally, bids were to be opened through July 31 for the site development of the Federal Aviation Administration funded airport improvement program. To date, only one bid has been submitted. The bid has a new opening plan set for 10 a.m. August 26. 

Since this is a federal project, contractors may not be used to the amount of inspection requirements for such a project, according to Barkley Regional Airport representative. By reopening the bid, it gives contractors more time to get comfortable with the project. 

The original project included access road, grading, drainage and utilities, pavement, construction on the concrete apron, and the cargo area. Now, the concrete portion of the project has been omitted. There will be multiple bid options as opposed to one bid. 

The project is slated to be completed by the spring 2023 and the extended bid is not expected to change completion dates. The estimated cost for the entire project is $42 million and phase one is expected to come in around $10 million. This portion of the project is 100% paid for by the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act money. 

The majority of the bidders are from the west Kentucky area and some of the contractors may have been reluctant to bid because of the scope of the project. With the bid changes, some of the reluctant contractors may jump on board. 

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