REGINA - The Government of Saskatchewan has approved five additional applications for nearly $320,000 for airport improvements through the Community Airport Partnership (CAP).
The government's contribution is $160,000 as part of the 50/50 cost sharing grant.
The government committed to a record $1.5 million for community airport improvements this year, including $650,000 in stimulus funding. To date, more than $1.26 million has already been distributed to 19 different communities this year.
This additional approved funding will allow five more projects to move forward in 2021-22.
The Estevan Regional Airport received $44,621 to change runway ligt regulators and repair field circuits.
"Since the CAP program's inception, our airport has undergone more than a million dollars in improvements including new fence posts, improved lighting and runway upgrades," Estevan Mayor Roy Ludwig said in a news release.
Also, the Lampman Airport received $35,850 to add turn pads at both ends of the runway.
Airports in La Ronge, Maple Creek and Yorkton also received support.
"CAP is a municipal program that provides funding for the rehabilitation, construction, and capital improvements of airport infrastructure for community owned airports in Saskatchewan," Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw said. "These airports play an important role to ensure safety by supporting vital services like air ambulance, law enforcement and firefighting."
The program provides grants to municipal governments to improve community airports. The program helps offset costs associated with rehabilitation and upgrades to the network of community airports.
Projects are approved based on criteria focused on improving safety, extending life cycle of the asset, airport utilization, economic benefits associated with the project, and partnership opportunities.
Since 2007-08, the ministry has invested over $10.5 million including this year's funding and a total of 42 different communities and RMs have benefited from the CAP program.
Applications will be open for CAP grants available in 2022-23 starting in late January. Interested communities can find out more about the program on the government’s website.
