At its regular meeting on June 9, 2011, the commissioners of the Port of Orcas, based on the outcome of the bids and the recommendation of WHPacitic, unanimously approved the award of a construction contract to Island Excavating, Inc., for base bid in the amount of $359,604.08, pending the receipt of the land use permit from San Juan County.

WHPacific has verified the qualifications of the low bidder, the current status of the contractor’s license from the Department of Labor and Industries, and that Island Excavating, Inc., is not listed on the List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement or Non-Procurement Programs. There is no DBE requirement for this project.

This project is known as the 2011 Orcas Island Airport Apron Improvement Project, and is funded 95% through FAA AIP grant #3-53-0023-007/008, along with WSDOT/Aviation and Port of Orcas shares at 2.5% each, or $10,544.00, for a total project cost of $421,754.08.

The work includes rehabilitation of the ramp between the Federal Express office and Mt. Baker Road, which will consist of asphalt pavement milling, apron pavement reconstruction, and turfed apron construction. This last item means that the south half of the ramp area will be returned to turf, with installed tiedown rings. This creates an additional 2.5 acres of pervious surface on the airport, which along with installed piping, grates and basins, will substantially improve water movement through the airport. Additionally, adding grass and removing tarmac improves both air and visual qualities of the airport.

The commissioners anticipate the completion of the project during the current construction season.