At the Elk Point Airport Meeting on January 19th, the committee made a motion to recommend each Municipal Council to proceed with STIP Applications for upgrades at Airport, Lighting Upgrades and Runway Extensions.
Notes from the Airport meeting regarding the STIP application:
1. PenGrowth has provided a Letter of Support for STIP Grant. Copy mailed to County.
PenGrowth requires 5000 ft to land Citation. Internal Policy by charter company - Air Partners from Calgary.
PenGrowth requires 3 4x4 trucks at Airport, Bus, hotel and restaurant at Elk Point as well Jet fuel at airport before they will fly to Elk Point with Beachcraft (17 passengers), King Air (9 passengers) and Citation. Currently charter Citation 2-3 times year, Beachcraft and King Air have weekly scheduled flights into Bonnyville. PenGrowth would use Airport if it was 500 feet. Current length is 4492 ft. Bonnyville is 4500 ft and St Paul is 3500 ft. Town Elk Point requested Pengrowth in letter, prepared by County to contribute $45,000 towards GPS system as unfunded under STIP program. PenGrowth did not deny our request. CEO Steve DeMio is meeting with his Board this week.
PenGrowth advised us their Commercial Site is at the Old Murphy Site up the Murphy Road which is north of Lindbergh and only 10 minutes shorter distance to EP/County Airport than Bonnyville.
Jared Williams from Air Partners called inquiring about Jet Fuel. They fly into Airport 2 times year and if fuel was provided he said they would fly 3-4 times year.
2. Carrie Baunmgardner with CNRL was requested to provide a Letter of Support for the STIP Grant application and funding of $45,000 for GPS system. GPS system is needed with lighting so planes can land in conditions that are not favorable. We have provide both PenGrowth and CNRL with 2015 and 2016 IASL Reports. Please note the 2016 December Reports - Development Plan and Business Plan were tailored by IASL for the STIP Grant. CNRL has called Jan 19 inquiring of any progress. Carrie advised the 3 Superintendents from field will make a decision and then Calgary will make a decision. The Superintendents have made their decision. Carrie advised this is a large request which Calgary Office reviews and decides upon. Both CNRL and PenGrowth, we have impressed upon the Operators SAFETY is very important issue. They agree. They also agree airport is needed.
3. Paul Klaassen, Alberta Air Ambulance called Town Office requesting contact name and phone number for 24/7 to use the airport. We advised him of the NOTAM. Can not use the airport in dark (night). He said they would have use in dark. Medivacs.
Jessica Jones called to advise AHS is interested in working with Elk Point and County of St Paul to use the airport in dark. They would like to help us get the STIP Grant. Jessica said they will organize all the players as the hospital is not the only user. Jessica is gathering the number of medivac flights per year and will provide to us for the STIP application.
3. Elk Point and District Lions Club is interested in applying for a CEFP Grant with the assistance of Kyle/myself) to fill out the application for $125,000 matching towards the airport upgrades. The Elks in Elk Point are being approached to provide the matching funding.
4. Elk Point and District Chamber of Commerce have provided a letter of support for the STIP Grant application.
5. The ROCK Foundation will be approached to apply for a CEFP Grant towards the airport upgrades as well.
6. Dr. Ramful is interested in the airport being upgraded and will provide a letter of support - reasons medical and business.
7. Dean Litke, AT has suggested that we apply for STIP Grant.
8. Dave Winch, AT Grants in Barrhead has emailed Town advising they have received our application and reports. We need to file an application. We asked Mr. Winch if their is funding for extension 500 feet to airport. He under STIP grant it is eligible on basis of 1/3 each. Municipal, Provincial and Industry. We asked him what if Province owns airport. He will be getting back to us.
In closing Airport Authority has passed (Jan 19, 2017 meeting) a motion to recommend each municipal Council to proceed with STIP Applications for upgrades at Airport. Lighting Upgrades and Runway Extension.
Administration requested the Town of Elk Point for a final budget for the STIP Grant and what the expectations are for municipal contribution?
$1.75 million for 1st STIP app includes lighting, trees and berm, GPS. IASL will be tweaking and aligning all of their reports to match the $1.75 million.
Lorne and I feel should be 2 applications so we get lighting for medivac's.
A 2nd STIP application for 500 feet runway extension. No municipal funding as Province owns airport. Might be industry funding? Trying to get PenGrowth committed? Cost of this is $500,000. Extension would be to east. I spoke to Stan and Paul this morning and they will have an Engineered Report for this application next week. Purchasing a right of way will be necessary.
Lions will be applying for CEFP with our help to fill out application.
So, Grant is prepared to show we are contributing over 25% with other grants and in kind. $750k. However, actual cost for trees removal will be lot less than $250k and berm lot less than $450. If we can get CEFP grants Lions and possible ROCK with Shamrock donating labour and equipment except fuel for berm them there would be no or very little municipal funding needed.