GUSTINE — Demolition is underway at the Gustine Municipal Airport, where nine aging hangars are being removed following the city’s approval of a $40,480 contract awarded to Joe’s Landscaping of Newman.

The project, located at 26467 State Highway 140, began Oct. 6 and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31. Work is scheduled Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. City officials said the hangars—part of a group of 15 city-owned structures—had deteriorated beyond repair and posed safety concerns due to years of deferred maintenance.

Originally constructed with weathered wood and lightweight sheet metal, the buildings were deemed structurally unsound in a recent evaluation. A 2021 proposal to repair eight of the hangars was rejected due to cost, and worsening conditions prompted the city to pursue demolition as a first step toward future redevelopment.

The city initially released a bid packet in early 2025 but paused the process in April after discovering potential owl nesting at the site. Following guidance from wildlife agencies, the timeline was revised to avoid nesting season, and a new bid packet was issued in July. Joe’s Landscaping submitted the lowest responsive bid at $36,800, with a 10% contingency bringing the total to $40,480.

Officials said the demolition will not disrupt utility services or aviation access. While the Federal Aviation Administration does not fund hangar removal, recent changes under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law may allow for future funding of new construction once the site is cleared.