IMPROVEMENTS TO MEADOW LAKE AIRPORT COMPLETE

Released on September 8, 2006

Resurfacing on the runways, aprons and taxiways of the Meadow Lake Airport is now complete and the airport has been opened to air traffic.

"This improvement will provide smoother and strengthened runways, taxiways and aprons, and a corrected cross-slope, for the air traffic that uses this busy airport," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag said on behalf of Highways and Transportation Minister Eldon Lautermilch.

As part of this resurfacing project, the air tanker apron and associated taxiways were strengthened to provide a higher pavement load rating necessary for Saskatchewan Environment's new land based air tanker, which is used for fighting forest fires. The project cost was $2.5 million, funded by Saskatchewan Environment.

"By investing in this project, we can continue to utilize the Meadow Lake tanker base as a staging area for the province's entire air tanker fleet," Saskatchewan Environment Minister John Nilson said. "The ability to stage the larger and heavier Convair 580A at the Meadow Lake base means that we are able to deliver one-third more fire retardant where it is needed in one-third less time."

The community of Meadow Lake will also benefit from the improvements, as they will now have an established airstrip that will provide continued public air transportation in and out of the area for years to come.

Construction began on August 19th, with the main runway and air tanker base closed to air traffic. Paving on these sections was completed on August 25th. The remainder of the work was completed on August 30th and all airport facilities were open to air traffic August 31st.

"I am pleased that our contractors, working in conjunction with department staff, were able to get this project completed in a safe, efficient and timely manner to ensure air service was restored as quickly as possible," Sonntag added.

Contractors on this project included G.W. Construction Ltd. of Buchanan and HJR Asphalt Ltd. of Saskatoon.

During the next three weeks, airport maintenance staff will continue to perform landscaping work alongside all pavement edges and pavement markings will be repainted. Pilots have been notified to verify that all equipment is off the runway prior to landing or take off.

For more information on highway and transportation improvements in Saskatchewan, go to www.highways.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Kirsten Leatherdale Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-8484 Cell: (306) 536-9692

Jeanette Krayetski Environment Prince Albert Phone: (306) 953-2691