Airport runway getting some long haul maintenance
The Alexandra Airport runway is about to get a $930,000 resurfacing.
The 1200m long by 30m wide chip sealed runway was first chip sealed around the mid to late 1980s and has not been resurfaced since.
In her report tabled at the Council meeting on Wednesday, Central Otago District Council Property Officer Tara Bates said the runway resurfacing had been included in the previous Long-term Plan budget considerations but was left off because further investigation was needed into the type of resurfacing required.
A budget of $486,000 had been allowed for in the 2022-23 Annual Plan, however unforeseen circumstance such as Covid 19 and rising construction costs had increased the cost to seal the runway to $930,000. This left a shortfall of around $445,000 to complete the resurfacing.
The airport, as defined by the Alexandra Airport Masterplan, is considered an important asset and aviation facility for the district. Users had expressed safety concerns about the deteriorating condition of the runway, and possible damage to their aircraft.
The $445,000 shortfall has come from the $900,000 capital budget allocated for a new hangar precinct development at the airport, which so far has not progressed because of a drop off in demand, brought about by changes in the economy and delays in getting a water supply. The financial funding strategy for the airport will be addressed in the Long-term Plan 2024-34 process.
After the meeting, CODC Group Manger – Community Experience David Scoones said although it was disappointing that circumstances meant the hangar development, which was to have taken place in the 2023-24 year had not eventuated, it was fortunate that the funding for the runway could be used from existing budgets.
“The airport is vital to the district for many reasons, and we want to fulfil our obligations laid out in the masterplan, to provide a safe, user friendly and efficient facility for aviation-related businesses, aircraft operators and lease holders.”
