Runway rehab

Plans to rehabilitate the runway at Shively Field began Dec. 9 with a meeting between Dave Schultz, of Sage Engineering, and the Saratoga Airport Board. There will not be any changes to the position or the length of the runway, Schultz said.

The meeting jumpstarted the planning process, Schultz explained. In order to get everything organized, the board needed to hear from the experts at Sage Engineering on steps to ensure they qualify for Wyoming Aviation Capital Improvement Program funds.

It is a long process, Schultz said, as the board has to start by applying for the design grant first, which he and the board hope to have completed by the spring of 2016.

The plan will include bids for re-milling the runway. Once the bids are received and opened, Schultz explained, the board can apply for another grant to pay for construction.

The Federation Aviation Administration has certain requirements for the runway to hold up against airplanes landing, Schultz explained.

The current runway will have to be thoroughly inspected to find if there are any areas that need special attention and to find out how deep the current asphalt will have to be milled, Schultz said.

This is all part of the master plan that was put into affect by the airport board and approved by the town council in 2014.

It has been 25 to 30 years since the bulk of the pavement on the runway has been rehabilitated, Schultz estimated. The runway was partially paved in 1961, with widening and extension in the 1990s. Traditionally, runways are designed to last around 20 years, Schultz said, adding that this runway is still in pretty good shape. “Traffic (on the runway) actually helps the pavement last longer.”

Even if we have to wait until 2018 to replace the runway, the runway will be usable,” Schultz said.

The staff at Sage Engineering will write up the minutes from the meeting, and issue a copy to all the parties involved. From there they will plan the scope of the project.

Once the scope is completed, the grant application process will begin, Schultz said.

The taxiway was completed in 2002 and will not be part of the project.