The taxiway at the historic Pearson Field will soon be repaired and repaved, a project covered by a combination of federal grants totaling $1.4 million.
Most of the funding — about 90 percent — comes from the Federal Aviation Administration, through an Airport Improvement Program grant. The remainder of the project cost will be covered by additional appropriations from the CARES Act, a sweeping COVID-19 relief package.
The project includes grinding off the old asphalt, repaving the taxiway, re-striping the new taxiway, installing lighting and guidance signage as required, and repairing pavement cracks.
“That’s quite an undertaking,” Airport Manager Guy Lennon told the Vancouver City Council on Monday.
Rehabilitating Pearson Field’s taxiway was identified as a priority in the airport’s 2013 master plan. The taxiway was last paved in 2002 and has since undergone significant wear and tear.
Following a competitive bidding process, the city will likely award the pavement rehabilitation project to Lee Contractors of Battle Ground for $1.18 million. The decision is on the agenda for the June 15 city council meeting.
The airport, located just off the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, is the second-oldest operating airport in the country, with the first flight launched in 1905. It’s since been dedicated as an Historic Aerospace Site by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
“The background of this airport, it’s very storied,” Lennon said.
