PENN TWP — The county Airport Authority opened four bids Wednesday, April 17 ranging from over $500,000 to more than $1 million for replacing a paved apron where airplanes park at the Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport.

The existing apron has exceeded it’s 20-year life span, said Nick Barber, airport engineer.

While currently paved with 12-inch thick asphalt designed for use by heavy planes and snow plows, the 120,000 square foot apron will be replaced with 18-inch thick pavement, Barber said. The Federal Aviation Administration requires the use of that asphalt in areas used by aircraft, he added.

The apron is located off a taxiway, and planes are tied down there for access to the hangar, he said. The authority is planning to add more hangars in the future, he said.

After Barber reviews the bids and recommends one for approval, the authority will apply to the state Bureau of Aviation for grant money being provided by the federal government. The grant will pay for 90% of the cost and requires a 10% local match. Airport Manager Stephanie Saracco has been authorized to accept a bid, officials said.

The goal is to start the project in the fall. The contract will require completion in 60 days, Barber said.

The bids were $566,558 from Shields Asphalt Paving of Bakerstown, $912,889 from Lindey Paving of Beaver county, $943,940 from Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. of State College and $1.3 million from Eurova Atlantic Construction of Virginia.