The tendering process for the grader should be initiated by next week. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Snow removal

La Ronge Airport receives federal grant for new grader

Aug 19, 2019 | 5:00 PM

A new grader will be purchased for the La Ronge Airport after the federal government approved a $334,000 grant.

“The grader we are currently using is a 1976 champion grader and it’s well past its serviceable years,” said Airport Manager Jim Burr. “We applied to the Airport Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) that Transport Canada initiated in the 90s. We’re just thankful for the program and glad we were approved. Our grader definitely needed upgrading and thankfully we will be able to do that.”

The new grader, which the airport is expected to initiate the tendering process for by next week, will assist with essential services such as clearing of ice and snow from runways, taxiways and the aprons. Keeping runways, taxiways and aprons free of ice and snow ensures safe usage by aircraft, passengers, and crews, and helps protect costly airport safety assets during airport operations.

Burr stated the new grader should be better equipped than the previous one, adding one enhancement will be more horsepower. He noted when the grader goes to tender, there will be a number of specifications those bidding will need to meet.

According to a Transport Canada press release, Canadians, tourists and businesses benefit from safe and well-maintained airports. Airports also provide essential air services including community resupply, air ambulance, search and rescue and forest fire response.

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“Our Government recognizes that local airports are major contributors to the economic growth and social well-being of smaller communities,” Minister of Transport Marc Garneau stated. “In addition to supporting travel and tourism, local airports are key connectors for business, health care, social services, and emerging resource development sectors. These investments will improve access to safe, efficient and accessible air transportation options, and will help us deliver on our promise to build safer, healthier and stronger communities across Canada.”

To date, the La Ronge Airport has received more than $7.5 million in ACAP funding for eight safety projects including the installation of wildlife control fencing, the rehabilitation of the runway, taxiways, and apron, and the replacement of snow clearing equipment.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno