Moore County Airport leaders are reviewing possible construction plans for terminal renovations that would be needed before commercial passenger flights could begin.
The proposed Moore County Airport terminal upgrades would help the facility meet federal security requirements associated with scheduled passenger service. Airport officials are considering how to complete the work quickly if an agreement with a regional airline moves forward.
At a recent Airport Authority meeting, consultants presented three possible methods for designing and completing the project. The options range from a faster and potentially more expensive approach to a more traditional process that could cost less but take longer.
No final decision has been made.
Airport Director Rick Cloutier told board members that the schedule remains uncertain, but airport leaders need to be ready to act once additional information becomes available.
Federal Grant Decision Expected in August
The timing of the Moore County Airport terminal upgrades may depend in part on whether the airport receives a federal Small Community Air Service Development Program grant.
Airport officials expect to learn by late August whether the application has been approved.
The $1 million grant would help support a minimum revenue guarantee fund for a potential airline. Those funds are often used to reduce the financial risk for a carrier beginning service in a smaller community.
If the grant and airline agreement come together, airport officials could face a tight construction timeline. Leaders have discussed completing the terminal work in approximately six months to support a possible spring launch of commercial service.
Cloutier said that schedule would be difficult but possible.
Airport Weighs Speed, Cost and Control
One option under consideration is a design-build contract, which combines the design and construction work into one process. Consultants said that method is typically the fastest, although changes made after construction begins can become more expensive.
Another option is known as construction manager-at-risk. That approach would allow the airport to work directly with both the designer and contractor throughout the project.
The construction manager-at-risk option could give airport leaders more control over the design and make it easier to address changes or construction challenges. However, it would likely come at a higher cost.
The traditional design-bid-build method would involve completing the design first and then seeking competitive construction bids. While that process could result in a lower price, airport leaders believe it may take too long to meet the potential commercial service schedule.
The airport would fund the terminal construction, making cost an important consideration. However, authority members said completing the work on time could be more important than choosing the least expensive option.
Potential designs could return portions of the terminal to a layout similar to the one used when Moore County Airport offered commercial flights in the early 2000s.
Additional Airport Infrastructure Funding
The Airport Authority also accepted a $2.5 million economic development grant from the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
That funding will support taxi lane infrastructure connected to the construction of two new hangars on airport property.
The Moore County Airport terminal upgrades remain in the planning stage. Airport officials are expected to make additional decisions once they receive more information about the federal grant and possible airline service.
Commercial passenger service would give Moore County and Sandhills travelers another transportation option, but it would also bring additional discussions about cost, construction, traffic and the airport’s long-term growth.
