Construction cost increases due to COVID-19 are impacting construction of the new avionics maintenance facility at the Manila Municipal Airport, according to Mississippi County Economic developer Clif Chitwood.
Chitwood spoke briefly at a planned meeting of the Mississippi County Quorum Court’s Planning and Development Committee on Wednesday.
Chitwood requested an additional $74,000 for the project because of the increased construction costs.
Justice of the Peace Bill Nelson, who is chairman of the Planning and Development Committee, said because he was the only one from the board in attendance, the committee would not make a recommendation, but instead allow the full court to consider the request.
“I’m primarily concerned about the amount of money that we will be adding to this contract exceeding the amount of the two other bids,” Justice Nelson said. “If that doesn’t happen, then I don’t have a problem with it. I think it ought to scoot right on through.”
A&J Contracting was awarded the contract after bidding $529,512.76. However, the new estimate is $630,000, according to Mississippi County Economic Development vice president Tamika Jenkins.
Jenkins noted A&J bid before COVID-19, which has driven up costs on materials.
The other bids were from Dennis Allen Construction ($955,650) and McMinn Contracting ($654,000).
Work on the 100’x 100’ building started several months ago with the concrete work but was slowed down because of Covid-19. Upon completion of the building A&J Aviation is planning to offer a FAA repair station.
The next closest one in Arkansas is located in Little Rock.