By Jim Misunas
jmisunas@gbtribune.com

LARNED — The Larned City council has approved a $1.5 million construction contract for Klaver Construction, Wichita, for airport reconstruction at the Larned/Pawnee County Airport.
The bid came in 35 percent under the engineer’s estimate of $2.3 million. The Federal Aviation Administration will pay 95 percent of the  costs. Pawnee County and the City of Larned are responsible for $94,200.
Lane Massey, Larned city manager, said the project involves tearing the current runway out and replacing the airport’s sub-grade.
“We will replace the backfill with an aggregate mix topped by concrete,” Massey said. “It will be a much stronger base. Compared to what they’ve working with, it will be a much-needed improvement.”
Massey said the engineer’s report from Olsson Associates, Lincoln, Neb., indicated the airport surface had a variety of issues, including a frost-freeze upheaval that created an uneven surface.
“There were numerous factors,” he said.
Massey said it’s likely the work will start next spring and require several months.
“They will work around the flying season, but there may be some impact locally,” he said.
• The council also approved a purchase of a service truck for the  electrical distribution department for $41,135 from Ralph Baird Motors  Hays Truck. A 1995 electrical distribution track will be transferred to the sanitation department. A 1979 GMC truck will be placed out-of-service.
• National Sign Company was approved for a $13,041 bid to replace new traffic, school, hospital and flood control signs in the city of  Larned, as specified by the latest federal regulations.
• Approval passed for the Pawnee County Community Hospital Auxiliary for reduced rental rates for usage of the Larned Community Center Dec. 3. The annual arts and crafts show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3.