Included in the Airport's Capital Improvement and Equipment Replacement Programs is the purchase of two new pieces of Snow Removal Equipment.  The Airport plans to buy two new dump trucks that will come with snow removal attachments, including snow plow blades, runway sander, and a runway anti-ice/deice applicator skid unit.  One of the dump trucks will be replacing a 30-year old piece of equipment. The other new dump truck with the anti-ice/deice applicator unit is required because of the changes in the Airport's main runway surface that will take place in 2013.  The runway's existing porous friction course surface will be replaced with a dense grade asphalt that will be grooved.  This grooved surface will at times require deicing fluid applications to keep the grooves clear of ice.  These two new units with the various attachments will enhance the Airport's ability to provide safer pavement surfaces for aircraft operating during the Winter months, and the dump trucks can also be used year round for other airfield maintenance tasks.  The Invitation for Bids has been advertised in the Billings Times for three weeks and on the City's Website.  On June 26, 2012, the following bids were received:

Contractor	Amount
Wausau Equipment	$616,682
M-B Company	$632,004
Engineers Estimate	$600,000

The City Council may:

• Approve the purchase of the Snow Removal Equipment; or
• Reject the bids and delay the purchase.

The total cost of the Snow Removal Equipment is $616,682, and will be funded 90% with an AIP entitlement grant and with 10% local funds.  The FAA portion will be $555,013.80, and the City's match is $61,668.20.  This project is included in the current budget and local matching funds are budgeted and available in the Airport's capital account.

Staff recommends the City Council approve the purchase of the Snow Removal Equipment from the low bidder, Wausau Equipment, for the amount of $616,682.