At its June 2, 2026 meeting, Hickory City Council accepted the low bid and awarded a $2.6 million construction contract to Chatham Civil Contracting, LLC for the Aviation Walk connector multi‑use trail (BL-0067) and the Aviation Museum connector multi‑use trail (BL-0115). The award is contingent upon North Carolina Department of Transportation concurrence, and is funded largely through State Transportation Block Grants, with a 20 percent City match on each project. This contract advances two significant trail connections near the Hickory Regional Airport that are part of the City’s broader multimodal network, including the larger bond-funded trail system. While the prime contractor has been selected, there are likely subcontracting and supply opportunities for paving, structures, signage, lighting, landscaping, and trail amenities. The project also signals continued City focus on active transportation, creating future opportunities in design, wayfinding, safety technology, and maintenance services as the network expands.

State Transportation Block Grant funding: BL‑0067 at $1.6M with 20% match; BL‑0115 at $2.4M with $60...