Submitted by Bea vonTobel, Port of Orcas manager.

The commissioners for the Port of Orcas wish to announce that except for some minor touch-up work and a final walkthrough/sign-off, the 2011 airport improvement project at the Orcas Island Airport is complete.

The asphalt portion of the south apron will open this weekend. Eleven tiedown spaces on the tarmac (including three twin spaces) will sport new ropes; new fencing along Schoen Lane is in place; and nine newly-hydroseeded grass tiedown spots will be available next spring.

This project was made possible by grants from the FAA and WSDOT/Aviation, with additional funding from the Port of Orcas. WHPacific was contracted to provide engineering/design services and construction management, with Lea Bonebrake serving as the on-site engineer during the construction phase. Island Excavating, Inc, prime contractor, completed all the excavation and supplied machinery, personnel and material. Island Excavating subcontracted paving work to Lakeside Industries, striping to New Horizons Painting, and hydroseeding to Green Acres Hydroseeding.

The commissioners, port staff and IX workers answered many questions from observers during the construction phase, and want to congratulate the community for exhibiting interest in the project and receiving quality answers from reliable sources. The questions asked and scrutiny exhibited were all welcome as part of the open government process the port exhibits on a daily basis.

Pilots and the public alike will be treated to more grass, less asphalt, and quality work done by local people. We thank you again for your patience and the fact that next year’s fly-in will have a safe and new surface to inhabit.