Tenants at the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport are preparing to connect to the nearly completed utility extension project.

The airport commission Thursday approved a plan to seek quotes from plumbing contractors to connect a selec few buildings to the newly constructed water lines running out to the airport. Tom's Backhoe Service is completing the city of Brainerd's portion of the project, while Ryan Contracting is responsible for the airport's portion.

During the project planning process, it was determined the airport could save money by havin a local plumbing contractor connect the airport to the new sewer and water lines, Airport Director Steve Wright said, as opposed to Ryan Contracting.

It's been tough to plan on when to connect, Wright said, because the airport is waiting for Tom's Backhoe Service to complete its portion of the project first. It's possible the airport could still connect to the water and sewer lines this year, he said, thanks to the unseasonably warm fall.

Wright has requested quotes fro local plumbing contractors and has received one estimate to connect the airport terminal to the new lines. There are three tenants on the existing utility system with the terminal, which will also be connected.

"The tenants I have talked to are aware these costs are coming," Wright said. "They're not excited about it, but they understand."

The contract cost to connect will be under $25,000, though various connection fees bring the total cost to around $70,000, Wright said. once the connection occurs, the existing well and septic systems will need to be shut off, as there can't be two water or sewer sources serving the airport buildings, he said.

Michelle Baird, project manager from Mead & Hunt, the airport's engineering firm, said the airport portion of the project is complete. Now, the airport is waiting for Tom's Backhoe Service to finish testing the new water lines so the airport can connect to them, she said.

If Ryan Contracting has to return to the airport to do any work after Tom's Backhoe Service completes its portion of the project, the airport could be charged a remobilization fee from Ryan Contracting, said Paul Strege of Mead & Hunt. The project is currently under budget and would hopefully remain under budget even if there is a remobilization fee, he said.

In other business, chair Andy Larson recognized the end of Wright's six-month probationary period and thanked him for the work he has done. Commission member Don Jacobson suggested havin a performance review so the commission can give Wright some goals to work on.

"I can't believe six months has passed already," Wright said.

Commission members Gary Scheeler and Marty Johnson were absent Thursday.