BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- The town of Massena has taken the next steps for the construction of a sand storage building at the Massena International Airport after awarding the construction project.

Town officials announced during the May 15 board meeting that D.C. Building Systems, Inc., of Watertown, were awarded the contract totaling $2,018,600.

In other action, board members also awarded the electrical contract for the facility.

That contract was awarded to DOW Electric, Inc., of Malone, for $56,975.

Town officials also agreed to sign off on the proposed fiscal year 2025 project to replace the airport's large hangar door located near the ARFF/SRE building.

With contracts signed, officials say the projects will move forward this summer.

The news of the contracts being awarded comes after board members approved completion of an IFE for the proposed sand storage building construction project in April, with a cost of $1,800 to $3,000 to be paid for through grant funding.

During the same April board meeting, board members also approved the contract documents with Baseline King Corp for the construction of the Airfield Electrical Improvements at the Massena International Airport and approved signing the final application for the Airfield Pavement Marking project, which will utilize $234,918 in federal funds, $6,182 in state funds and $6,182 in town funds.

Board members also awarded a contract to Hi-Lite Airfield Services, LLC for $194,282.40 for the Airfield Marking Improvements FAA AIP, with an award contingent upon FAA funding and approval, officials said in April.

Town Supervisor Sue Bellor said with the projects funded and contracts awarded it is sure to be a busy summer at the airport as improvements are made.