The issue of airports is something the City of Lloydminster hopes to take to the provincial level.
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Council voted in favour of seconding a resolution by the Town of Spirit River to increase the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) funding from $2 million to $15 million on June 23. The vote also included extending STIP funding to all community air operators and increase provincial cost-sharing based on need.
“There’s also a number of other things in addition to airports that’s included in the STIP program,” said Dion Pollard, city manager. “There’s roadways, certain types of roadways not just general maintenance, but bridges and items like that. It isn’t specifically for airports.”
Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers gave some background on how the item came to be.
“The city manager and I were approached by a group working with airports of Alberta,” he said. “One of the challenges is, we’re seeing the government of Alberta looking at air transportation and corridors and economic corridors. I think this is an opportunity to work with fellow municipalities. The intention was brought forward by a town, but they were looking for a city to support them as well.”
With the item passed by Lloyd council, they will be seconding the motion when it goes to the Alberta Municipalities Conference.
“This resolution would go fourth if approved by Alberta Municipalities to make the list for the convention,” said Pollard. “Then, it would go forth there and we would stand up and second the motion. From there, the rest of the municipalities from across Alberta, would have the opportunity to vote on the resolution.”
“If it’s passed at the convention, Alberta municipalities would make this a topic of issue to raise with the provincial government for all municipalities,” added Aalbers.
The request looks to expand the scope of eligible projects to include terminal buildings, de-icing equipment and wildlife fencing.
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