Bay County Airport Authority board members are acknowledging there was a breach in the new airport's stormwater drainage system during last Thursday's heavy rains.

But, they stopped short of saying the mud in nearby Burnt Mill Creek came from the new airport in West Bay.

Officials say a ditch embankment gave way after six inches of rain in an hour and a half at the construction site. They say they've already repaired the damage and are working with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Army Corps of Engineers on a daily basis.

During Tuesday's meeting, the board approved an additional $275,000 for more sod to help stabilize the drainage system.

They say they are working to stay in compliance with environmental regulations: "When we have a breach we're not, but it's something that's going to require more work, more sod, more remedial action. That's what we did today to go ahead and get that work done," said airport chairman Joe Tannehill, Sr.

The board wants the contractor to complete the stormwater drainage system within the next 45 days before the heavy spring rains.