The City of North Battleford is proceeding with a grant application for some major work on the drainage system at Cameron McIntosh Airport.
The city is making a Community Airport Partnership grant application in the amount of $186,500 for 2014 to rehabilitate a portion of the airfield drainage system, as well as the implementation of a global positioning system/WAAS landing procedure at the airport.
The application would be for 50/50 funding, with the other 50 per cent of the project's cost to be picked up by the City. The City has already budgeted $160,000 for 2014 for the proposed drainage work. The GPS/WAAS procedure was not in the budget, but administration is proposing funds will be reallocated from other areas to cover that cost.
The resolution to proceed with the grant application passed unanimously Monday.
In speaking to reporters following Monday's meeting, Director of Public Works Stewart Schafer made clear the work needed to be done at the airport.
The piping system underneath was built in the 1940s, he said. "It was wood, and has collapsed, and we have to go in and repair it."
He said the issue with the piping hasn't caused a problem yet, but it was important to get in there before it does. The main concern is frost heaving - where the ground water freezes, expands and pushes the ground upwards.
Councillor Greg Lightfoot said he has had feedback from some area pilots who thought adding GPS was worthwhile, pointing out that Cameron McIntosh Airport is one of the few airports in the province without it.
Schafer told reporters the GPS system would allow pilots to find the runway in poor visibility and be able to land.
"It helps emergency aircraft, the air ambulance, we do have a courier that comes in and takes off each night," said Schafer.
It also helps some government planes coming in.
Without the GPS system, pilots would need to be able to get a clear view of the runway.
Without a good visual of the runway, said Schafer, they would have to land in Saskatoon and use alternative methods to get to North Battleford. He adds the plan is to get the GPS in place by the end of this year or next year.
