NORRIDGEWOCK -- Select-men will decide tonight whether to approve Stantec Consulting Services as the Central Maine Regional Airport's engineering firm.

The selectmen's meeting will start at 6 p.m. at the town office.

If approved, the firm will be responsible for engineering undertakings -- such as runway improvements or capital projects -- at the airport for the next five years.

The contract stipulates that Stantec's pay not exceed $2 million over the five years. The firm would only be paid for services provided, explained Town Manager Michelle Flewelling.

The Federal Aviation Administration pays 90 percent of the cost, while the state of Maine pays 5 percent. That leaves the town with a total price tag of $100,000.

Stantec, which has a base in Portland, previously held a five-year engineering contract with the town.

That contract expired this spring, Flewelling said, prompting the town to begin the process of rating and interviewing other firms.

A selection committee, comprised of airport personnel and pilots, recommended that selectmen renew the contract with Stantec.

The airport consists of two, 4,000-foot runways that criss-cross each other. The 75 acres surrounding the runway strips need to be maintained, so planes can land, Flewelling said. If approved, Stantec will be in charge of acquiring easement agreements, so it can remove select trees on property not owned by the airport.

Erin Rhoda -- 474-9534

erhoda@mainetoday.com