— By Sean Oliver, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Shootin’ the Breeze

One of the growing news stories of 2022 is the increased cost of living resulting from inflation and supply-chain issues. Individuals, businesses and governments alike have had to adjust their budgets to accommodate costs that may not have been initially anticipated.

MD of Pincher Creek council approved one such adjustment for the Alberta airport during its July 12 regular council meeting. Replacing the airfield lighting system for $917,000 was initially passed during the May 18 meeting, but after the project was tendered out in June the lowest bid to return was $125,000 higher than the MD’s estimate.

There is a chance not all of the funds will be used as $100,000 would cover upgrading the 5,000-foot runway to its full 6,600-foot length. The MD was also responsible only for a portion of the initial $917,000 price tag since $585,000 was being provided through the Alberta government’s Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program.

Close to a third of the $332,000 the MD will pay is dependent on whether the runway will be extended, with $72,000 going toward line painting and $25,000 needed for updating flight charts.

The project would replace the airport’s electrical infrastructure, which is over 40 years old. The taxiway and apron edge lighting, the precision approach path indicators, as well as the airfield directional signage and field electric centre would all be replaced.

(Image: Wikipedia)