Airport grand opening taking shape

The Hot Springs County Board of Commissioners took another step towards the grand opening of the new Hot Springs County airport during its meeting Tuesday.

The board heard from GDA engineer Jeremy Gilb as he reviewed various final steps that will need to be undertaken before the Nov. 7 grand opening, which will feature a fly-in by Governor Matt Mead.

Gilb informed the board of recent updates to the fifth phase of the airport construction plan, including a flight check and a forthcoming electrical inspection that will be undertaken by the state. The board then chose to give a contract for the airport’s under drain project to Mountain View Building of Sheridan for a total of $103,352.20.

A final walkthrough with both state and Wyoming Department of Transportation officials will take place Oct. 22, and Gilb noted that the airport project as a whole is close to completion.

Among the items still being considered by the board are a Storm Water Prevention Plan, a Spill Prevention Countermeasure and Control Plan, the acquisition of fuel trucks, a quote for an air compressor and necessary piping, and the installation of security cameras.

Gilb and the commissioners also discussed plans for the grand opening celebration, switching caterers from Chubby Cheeks to the local Incredible Edibles keeping with the original menu.

Other matters of business undertaken by the board included Steve Shay of the Thermopolis Police Department, who approached the commissioners for information regarding a Title 25 voucher, which would cover expenses of police officers called in to provide necessary security for the detention of a mentally ill patient in the Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital.