Highways Minister to speak at October 25 Chamber meeting
Airport funding under review as Moosomin expansion project needs additional funding
October 14, 2022, 9:47 am
Saskatchewan Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill will join the Moosomin Chamber of Commerce for the October meeting.
Cockrill was invited to the October meeting to address two issues, the need to recap Highway 8 between Moosomin and Rocanville, and airport funding.
Cockrill says the government will review airport funding this fall to see if there is a way to further support Moosomin’s airport expansion project and similar projects around the province.
A multi-million dollar expansion of the airport is under way, in part to accommodate the Saskatchewan Air Ambulance fixed-wing aircraft, which currently cannot land in Moosomin.
Moosomin’s airport expansion project has received the maximum or close to the annual maximum under the province’s Community Airport Program for the last four years, totalling close to $1.1 million, but still has a long way to go before the project is completed.
In May, in an interview with the World-Spectator, former Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw said the provincial government will undertake a review to ensure there is a funding mechanism in place to meet the needs of projects like Moosomin’s.
Even though Moosomin’s project qualifies for CAP grant funding, the annual funding is capped at $275,000, so even after four years of CAP grants, the project is still far from a reality. Bradshaw said in May the province would review the funding system for airports.
“We’re going to review the funding. We are planning on reviewing the funding this fall and see how it works out.”
In an interview this fall, current Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill recommitted to that funding.
“The review of the CAP grant was committed to by Mr. Bradshaw, my predecessor, and I reaffirm that commitment,” Cockrill said. “That review will be undertaken this fall.
“We understand that the community of Moosomin and the surrounding area have been interested in doing more work on the airport than what is possible under the annual CAP grants. Those discussions continue.
“I think I have an understanding, as the Minister, of the needs and pressures in that area—it’s trying to find a way to work with the community and their stakeholders to address those issues.”
Cockrill said he believes it will be possible to find a solution that will work for communities like Moosomin.
“Certainly it’s possible but it’s important to keep in mind that we have pressures and options all across government. Certainly we’re in a better financial position after Q1 than we were last year, so when that happens there’s going to be even more pressure from different groups and different areas.
Economic Development
Also at the October meeting, there will be a presentation on the partnership between the Community Builders Alliance, the Town of Moosomin and the RM of Moosomin, who are working together on economic development and are jointly funding a government relations strategist. Representatives of the CBA, the town of Moosomin and the RM of Moosomin will attend, as well as Murray Gray, the chair of Moosomin’s Economic Development Committee, which includes representatives of all three groups
Southeast College
Also at the October meeting, Renata Gaca-Proszak of Southeast College will speak about courses available through the College.
The October 25 meeting will be at 11:45 am at the Canalta Hotel meeting room. Lunch will be served by Witch's Brew.
