Portales approves runway fund application

PORTALES — The Portales City Council on Tuesday approved an application for federal funds to reconstruct and improve both runways at the Portales Airport during its regular meeting.

The cost of the project would be over $3.6 million, with the Federal Aviation Administration providing the bulk of the funds at $2,896,329. The New Mexico Department of Transportation Aviation Division would contribute $678,994 and Portales would contribute $75,000, officials said.

The reconstruction project would provide new runway surfaces for Runway 1-19 and Runway 8-26. According to the application, both runways have a pavement condition index below 60, meaning they can no longer receive any useful maintenance as they are.

The reconstruction would remove the asphalt from the runways and replace it with a new surface designed for a 20-year lifespan.

Other highlights from Tuesday’s meeting include:

n A request for funding from Water Trust Board for the Portales Wellfield Improvements Phase Two project was approved. The project is meant to expand Portales’ existing wellfield and Phase One of the project will begin in October.

Phase Two will use information found from test drilling in Phase One to start drilling new well sites and installing lines to power them.

The request will be for $3.3 million with a 10 percent match at $330,00 from the FY2020 budget.

n A sewer line easement was granted to Lonnie and Leisha Bickham who own a property at 300 E. Lime St. to allow them to tie into the city sewer line through city property.

City Manager Sammy Standefer disclosed that the property had paid for city sewer service for several years, but had not received the service. Part of the sewer line easement agreement made amends for this discrepancy by waiving $1,290 in fees and repair costs.

The easement is now pending signature from the Bickhams before becoming effective.

n The council approved the sale of the Benson Subdivision, Block 10, Lots 3 and 4 for a high bid of $16,020.

The city acquired the property through code enforcement action several years ago and previously put the property up for bid to recoup costs, but received no bids.

The city recently put the property up for bid again and received two bids at $4,000 and $16,020.

According to Standefer, the sale will recoup the city’s losses and was above the appraised value of the property.

The meeting ended with an executive session for discussion regarding the purchase, acquisition or disposal of real property or water rights. No action was taken following the executive session.

The council’s next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 17.