Estimated cost of airport project now tops $3 million

Sechelt council is getting a look at how much more the airport runway resurfacing and extension project is expected to cost.

The original $1,387,460 project, based on a 700-ft. (213-metre) extension to the runway, was to be funded through a provincial grant covering 75 per cent with the rest coming from the district’s gas tax reserve.

A report presented to council Dec. 18 said an engineering assessment and design work completed in October showed the need for “further earthworks required to meet standards,” which were not anticipated in the original budget, and that the new estimated cost would exceed the original $1.3 million.

The report recommended the district apply for a second provincial grant, but the information about how much extra money would be needed was redacted from the report by consultants from Associated Engineering, because the project was still out to tender.

A report coming forward to the Feb. 19 council meeting says, based on the bids received, the new project cost is $3,184,937.

The district is still awaiting word on its application for a further $1,348,108 grant from the BC Air Access Program. If that grant application is successful, the district would have to find an additional $449,369 to make up its 25 per cent share of the larger budget.

“Once the grant results are received, the district will be required to make a decision regarding the funding requirement for the additional portion,” manager of financial services Ben Currie says in the written report.

District staff and Associated Engineering, meanwhile, are recommending the contract be awarded to Jakes Construction of Chilliwack as “the lowest compliant bid.”