ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Airport is set for more upgrades.
The Richmond County Board of Commissioners voted Sept. 1 to accept a $2,422,242 bid from Fred Smith Company for the east ramp extension project at the airport.
Public Works Director Jerry Austin said the project was originally bid on July 30, but only two were received, so it was rescheduled and the bids were open on Aug. 11.
Both bids, according to Austin, came in about 20% lower than the engineer’s estimate of $3,094,377. The other company, Barnill Contracting, placed a bid of $2,436,188.
Austin said a portion of the project is being funded by a $1.9 million State Transportation Improvement Program grant, with no local match required. He said the county anticipates another grant of more than $900,000 (but could change) to cover the remaining construction costs as well that of the engineer’s contract.
Interim County Manager and Finance Director Cary Garner explained that during COVID, the state had provided 100% grants, but has since reverted to a 90-10 split.
“However, with (N.C. Department of Transportation) Aviation has done is pulled remaining funds from different pockets … to get it back to 100 percent,” Garner said. “This will be, probably, one of the last true 100 percenters.”
Austin added that part of the reason Richmond County is being funded at 100% is because the airport is classified as a “green” airport: a publicly owned and operated general aviation airport typically located in rural, economically distressed counties.
Later, the board approved the transfer of a surplus 2012 Ford F-150 from the sheriff’s office to the Richmond County Rescue Squad to replace the squad’s 2001 truck that has 300,000 on the odometer.
Earlier in the meeting, Anson County Asst. Utilities Director Chris Harrington presented the county with a plaque of appreciation for helping with the “water crisis” in July.
Pictured, from left: Commissioner Jason Gainey; Commissioner Andy Grooms; Commissioner Robin Roberts; Richmond County Public Works Director Jerry Austin; Anson County Asst. Utilities Director Chris Harrington; Commissioner Jamie Gathings; Commissioner Jeff Smart; Commissioner Justin Dawkins; Commissioner Dr. Rick Watkins; Interim County Manager Cary Garner.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
“We just wanted to present our sincere thanks and appreciation to Richmond County for all the assistance they provided for us,” Harrington said.
Chairman Jeff Smart said Richmond County “did like any other … neighboring county and we helped out a lot … and we’re grateful we could be of assistance.”
Commissioners also approved proclamations for: Kinship Care Month; Senior Center Month; and Constitution Week.
Regarding Kinship Care Month, Social Services Director Theressa Smith said the county currently has 85 children in custody, 21 of whom are in kinship care with grandparents or other close family members.
“We definitely respect kinship care and are very glad for our families that stepped up and are a resource of hope … for our children,” Smith said.
While presenting the proclamation for Senior Center Month, Smith said the county has four locations to serve the older population: Rockingham; Hamlet; East Rockingham; and Ellerbe.
“This is something that’s very important,” Smith said. “As time goes on, our older population is increasing and it’s a wonderful opportunity for our older adults to have a place to go … to participate in activities and talk to other people.”
