IMPROVING THE STONY RAPIDS AIRPORT

Released on September 17, 2004

Improvements to the Stony Rapids Airport to correct a runway drainage problem are now underway.

The province secured $1.3 million in federal funding through the Airport Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) to install a sub-surface draining system to remove water from beneath the surface structure of the runway, in addition to surface drainage improvements on the south side of the runway.

These improvements were necessary as the main runway, taxiway and aprons were beginning to show signs of damage associated with a wet surfacing structure. Temporary repairs were completed by Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation to ensure aircraft safety.

"Water in the surfacing structure was reducing the runway strength, increasing repair costs, decreasing the longevity of the runway and could have had an impact on aviation safety," Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "I'm pleased we were able to access federal funding in order to make these significant improvements to the airport."

The contractor on this project is Saskcon Repair Services from Saskatoon. At least 40 per cent of on-site labourers will be residents of the Athabasca region. Work on this project will continue in the 2004 season until weather conditions are no longer favourable for construction, and the remainder of the work will be completed in the 2005 construction season.

"Stony Rapids Airport is an essential service as the primary means of transportation for the local community," Northern Affairs Minister Buckley Belanger said. "The provincial government is committed to providing access for remote and rural communities."

The Stony Rapids Airport has more than 10,000 annual scheduled commercial passenger movements and numerous charter flights including medical evacuation, forest fire protection, tourism, transport of mine workers and freight movement.

"This work, combined with $2 million in previously announced spot improvements to the Athabasca Seasonal Road, will improve access to the Athabasca Basin area and provide employment for northern residents," Sonntag said.

Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation will invest a total of $31 million this year to operate, preserve and improve the transportation system in northern Saskatchewan.

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For More Information, Contact:

Kirsten Leatherdale Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-8484