City Council Approves $545,162 Agreement to Reconstruct Key Portion of Airport Taxiway
- Steve Jurrens
- Dec 3
- 1 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council officially approved a Professional Services Agreement on December 1, 2025, for the reconstruction of a portion of Taxiway Alpha at the Watertown Regional Airport. The agreement, awarded to Helms and Associates Corporation, totals $545,162.70.
City Manager Alan Stager presented the item, confirming that the project is part of the airport’s long-term infrastructure improvement plan. The scope of work outlined in the agreement is comprehensive, covering the design, construction administration support, geotechnical engineering services, and all associated onsite support necessary to rebuild a 2,500-foot by 50-foot section of the taxiway.
The project’s funding structure is highly favorable to local taxpayers, relying on federal and state grants for the majority of the cost. The financial breakdown is as follows:
· Total Project Cost: $545,162.70
· Federal Share (FAA Grant): $517,904.57 (approximately 95%)
· State DOT Share: $13,629.07
· Local City Share: $13,629.07 (approximately 2.5%)
This cost-sharing arrangement ensures that the city’s local match for the professional services is limited to a small percentage of the total agreement, leveraging significant external funding to maintain critical airport infrastructure. Airport Manager Ian Meriwether will oversee the project.
Following Stager’s presentation and recommendation for approval, the motion passed unanimously by voice vote, allowing reconstruction of Taxiway Alpha to proceed and securing the integrity of the airport’s operational surface for the future.
