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Lacombe Regional Airport awarded Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Grant

The STIP grant has approved a maximum of $175,436.00 for the project
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The City of Lacombe is pleased to announce the approval of grant funds required to install new solar powered runway lighting at the Lacombe Regional Airport (LRA).

The Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) operates under the jurisdiction of the Government of Alberta’s transportation portfolio and has approved a maximum of $175,436.00 for the project.

The LRA has been in operation since 1962 with the existing taxiway lighting being original to the property and has been properly and safely maintained and retrofitted over time. Remnant parts of similar systems have kept it operational.

A lack of parts, in combination with the availability of newer technology, deems this lighting system to be at the end of its useful life. Installation of a new solar lighting system will ensure continued use of the airport, including nighttime flying, and will reduce operational costs associated with electricity.

The Airport Committee remains focused upon the renewal of LRA and increasing service levels using the most prudent fiscal management strategies possible.

“Successful application for grant funds defrays cost burden to property tax revenues but also allows for the faster completion of necessary capital projects”, said Jon From, Lacombe Flying Club President.

“The receipt of this grant facilitates the advancement of this project from 2022 to 2018 which reduces costs to local governments,” said City of Lacombe Mayor Grant Creasey, adding that the project aligns with Councils strategic objective to investigate and obtain additional revenue sources to assist with the ongoing stewardship of our infrastructure.

“This project also demonstrates the benefit and viability of partners sharing the efforts required to maintain regional services.”

“Lacombe County is committed to supporting the Lacombe Regional Airport and appreciate Alberta Transportation’s contribution to these upgrades,” said Lacombe County Reeve Paula Law. “The funding will allow for the proactive replacement of this equipment and will ensure the Lacombe Regional Airport stays viable for years to come.”

The STIP grant provides for a maximum of 75 per cent of project costs. In this case, estimated project costs total $233,914.00. Based on this, STIP grant funds provide $175,436.00. The City of Lacombe ($29,240.00) Lacombe County ($14,620.00) and Lacombe Flying Club ($14,620.00) will share the balance of project costs.

The City of Lacombe will publically release Request for Proposals (RFP) in the coming weeks.

Background Information

In 2015, City of Lacombe and Lacombe County commissioned a formal review of the local airport facility.

Review findings verified the value of the airport as a community facility that serves public, private and economic purposes. The report provided a number of recommendations aimed to preserve and enhance airport services for the region.

The review led to a formalized renewal of the partnership between the City of Lacombe, Lacombe County and Lacombe Flying Club and development of a joint oversight committee. The committee has successfully managed the planning for implementation of report recommendations, which includes the replacement of the runaway lighting.

Based on 10-year budgetary planning, the project was originally scheduled for completion in 2022.

-Submitted by the City of Lacombe