Greg Simpson, chair of the Moose Jaw Municipal Airport Authority. (pictured)

The Moose Jaw Municipal Airport got an extension and renovation on their runway that will hopefully lead to an extension of the kinds of business they can do there.

Construction had begun in fall 2020, and work included rehabilitation of the existing runway and taxiway, as well as a new runway, taxiway and approach lights.

The expanded runway is a necessity according to Greg Simpson, Chair of the Moose Jaw Municipal Airport Authority.

“Modern day aircraft require more runway length because they’re bigger and more powerful.” said Simpson as the runway was officially opened Friday.

“There’s an economic benefit and social benefits, so you think about air ambulance and saving lives first and foremost.”

He said the main thing is that they provide a safer environment for their pilots to operate from.

The federal, provincial and municipal governments each contributed to the extension. The feds contributed $1.2 million, the province contributed $990,000 and the city of Moose Jaw’s contribution was just over $500,000.

(ckrm)