Heavy equipment was used to crush the rocks down to gravel. (submitted photo/Ministry of Highways)

By Derek Cornet

airport upgrade

Fond du Lac Airport improvements begin

Dec 10, 2020 | 5:00 PM

Work has started to upgrade the Fond du Lac Airport with a number of safety improvements.

That’s according to a provincial media release, which states the total cost for construction comes in at $14 million. The safety improvements include construction of turn pads at both ends of the runway, strengthening and re-surfacing of the runway, taxiway and apron, and replacing existing low-intensity lighting with high-intensity LED lights.

The release notes rock crushing began in early November and construction is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2021.

“This project is important, since it is essential for moving people to and from the community,” Fond du Lac Chief Louie Mercredi said. “This has become much more urgent due to the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, further delays to this project may restrict landing and take-off weights while increasing a number of other costs associated with air transportation.”

Funding for the project comes from the federal government’s Airports Capital Assistance Program, which is investing $12.1 million over three years. The province is investing $1.9 million, along with annual operation and maintenance costs coming in at approximately $215,000.

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The release adds the province has invested $60.3 million in highways and airports in 2020.

Rocks were crushed prior to construction work. (submitted photo/Ministry of Highways)

“Our government is committed to investing in the North and this includes air travel in northern Saskatchewan,” Highways Minister Joe Hargrave said. “Maintaining and improving infrastructure that is critical to services like air ambulance and firefighting is vital for those living in the North.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno