BIDDEFORD — More work may take place at the Biddeford Municipal Airport.

Last week at the city council meeting, Airport Commission member Tom Bryand spoke about plans to remove obstructions from the approach area of the runway, build more fencing and install a lighting system.

There are several steps that must take place before anything more can occur at the airport, he said, such as discussion among members of the airport commission. If they vote to recommend some or all of the planned improvements, permits may be needed. Nothing will take place without prior approval by city council, he said.

In addition, said Bryand, before improvements can take place, the city would need to purchase a piece of property west of the runway that divides portions of city-owned land.

“The FAA will only fund projects if it has ownership or control over” the land, said Stuart Moncrieff, of Gale Associates, the consulting firm hired by the city.

The majority of the funds, 90 percent, to purchase land, which is currently owner by the Seashore Trolley Museum, could come from the FAA, with the remaining 10 percent to be divided equally by the city and the state.

Earlier this year, more than 100 feet of fencing was installed at the airport. This was the first work that had been done there in a number of years.

The improvements that will be considered by the airport commission are from an August report issued by engineer James Bildilli that lists items that “compromise safety or do not meet federal design criteria.”

According to Bildilli’s update, there are trees and brush that are obstructing portions of the approach zone, the primary surface and other areas near the runway.

Other items that Bildilli stated in his report include some of the light fixture bases are not flush with the ground and that the pavement “is nearing its design life.”

Replacing the pavement was not discussed.

None of these projects are currently in the works, said Bryand.

“The goal tonight is just a future overview of projects,” he said, because in the past, he said he’s been told there wasn’t enough information beforehand.

The next step is for the airport commission to review the project and decide if they would like to include the land purchase as part of the fiscal year 2016 budget, something that would require city council approval.

— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 324 dmendros@journaltribune.com.