For Immediate Release:
March 16, 2010
Largest Construction Project in Port History
[Bellingham, Wash.] The Bellingham International Airport runway and taxiway will be reconstructed this year in a $29 million project that was approved by the Port's Board of Commissioners today when they awarded the $26,342,000 bid to ICON Materials.
This is the largest construction project in the 90-year history of the Port of Bellingham. Work will begin in May and will continue through October. The Federal Aviation Administration will be funding 95 percent of the project cost.
"A project of this magnitude will generate hundreds of jobs and will have a major impact on our local economy," said Commission President Jim Jorgensen. "Plus this project will result in a runway and taxiway that will be in excellent condition for our community for the next 30 years."
The project will include rehabilitation of the runway and reconstruction and widening of the parallel taxiway. This is the first full-scale runway strengthening and rehabilitation project at the Bellingham Airport since its initial construction in 1941. It will involve placing 174,000 tons of asphalt pavement, complete reconstruction including widening of the parallel taxiway, extensive drainage and re-lighting work, resulting in a well-drained, well lit, and smooth final surface.
ICON Materials of Tukwila, Wash., was selected through a competitive bidding process with the lowest responsive bid for this major project. Four companies bid on the project with bids ranging from $26 million to $33 million.
Port officials said they were encouraged that ICON is a safe and responsible contractor having extensive experience working on airport runway projects and that the company understands the complexity of manufacturing and placing FAA-specification pavements, and working within an active airfield environment.
ICON's past work includes rehabilitation of runways at King County International Airport (Boeing Field), Renton Municipal Airport and multiple projects at Sea-Tac Airport. ICON constructed the third runway at Sea Tac Airport, an $81 million project.
During most of the Bellingham Airport project, the local airport will remain open with runway and taxiway work carefully staged to allow for ongoing operation. However, runway closures in the late night and early morning hours will be the norm from late spring to September 1st. From September 1st , the airport will close for three weeks, until September 22nd, to allow for paving of the full 6,701-foot runway and work on the parallel taxiway in what will be a 24-hour a day paving operation.
When the project is complete, the airport could accept planes as large as 757, which can hold 220 passengers.
"ICON has solid experience with runway reconstruction projects in an active, open airport and they understand how to coordinate a project of this magnitude," said Port Aviation Director Art Choat. "We are eager to get this work underway."
Because of the deterioration of the existing runway and taxiway, Choat said the Port is spending about $10,000 a month in ongoing maintenance to keep the surfaces safe pending the major project.
Three large commercial airlines operate out of the Bellingham Airport: Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and Allegiant Air - providing direct flights to seven cities. Many general aviation uses also occur. The number of commercial airline passengers flying out of the airport has steadily grown from 79,890 in 2004 to 320,358 in 2009.
It is expected that the number of passengers and the variety of direct-flight destinations will continue to grow once the airport improvements are completed.
The Port of Bellingham is a countywide independent special purpose government that operates Whatcom County's major transportation terminals including the Bellingham International Airport, Fairhaven Transportation Station and the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. The Port also serves about 2,000 moorage customers at its Blaine and Squalicum Harbors.
In addition more than 250 businesses operate on Port properties throughout Whatcom County. The operations of the Port and its tenants generate over 4,000 direct local jobs.
For More Information:
Carolyn Casey, Port of Bellingham: 360-676-2500
