Moose Jaw Municipal Airport is set to expand in size, which conceivably could result in larger aircraft landing in the city.
On Thursday, the federal, provincial and municipal governments announced a combined $2.7 million in funding for the airport.
The project calls for the rehabilitation and expansion of the existing runway and taxiway. When finished, they’ll be able to accommodate larger planes such as business class, turboprops and light jets.
A new apron is to be built that will increase the parking area and allow heavier aircraft to park at the facility.
There also will be a new hangar access road that will reduce vehicle traffic on the taxiways, and other improvements such as the installation of additional runway, taxiway and approach lights.
The federal government is contributing $1.2 million to the project. The Government of Saskatchewan is investing $999,900 and the City of Moose Jaw is putting up $500,100. The city also will be responsible for any additional costs.
“The Moose Jaw Municipal Airport Authority team is very excited to see this runway expansion and rehabilitation of the airside facilities project begin to come to fruition,” Moose Jaw Municipal Airport Authority chair Greg Simpson said in a media release.
“When construction is finished, these upgrades will improve safety and benefit current airport users in the health and agricultural sectors, along with potential new business that rely on general aviation. This will improve access to critical health care services and help support economic development in our community, thanks to improved transportation infrastructure.”