The Town and County of Stettler are hoping an airport paving project will be cleared for takeoff by the province early next year.
The two municipalities are seeking funding to cover most of the cost of a $700,000 project to upgrade the apron at the Stettler Town and County Airport located just southwest of the town.
“It’s in a paved state that has deteriorated quite badly,” said town manager Rob Stoutenberg on Wednesday. “It’s at the point where we have to consider removing it and replacing it with asphalt or some other material in the next year or two.”
The project would also include the installation of a new drainage system to extend the lifespan of the apron.
Funding for the project would come from Alberta Transportation’s Community Airport Program, which sets aside money that can be used by the province’s 72 community airports.
Eligible projects include major capital rehabilitation of the air side portion of the airport, specifically the aircraft operating areas such as the primary runway, apron, and taxiway.
“Their initial look at the project is it is an eligible project, except for the sub-drainage component, which is about $10,000,” he said. “So they’d fund all of it but 10 (thousand) if it gets approved.”
The airport is used by private flyers, STARS and local businesses, such as oilfield service and construction companies, which use the facility to fly crews in and out.
It is hoped approval comes in early January so the paving contract can be included in other paving tenders. If all goes to schedule, work would begin in the spring.