Sawyer International Airport recently received a $1.1 million grant, which will be used to fund vital improvements to the airport’s runway lighting circuit, pave runway shoulders and finance the replacement of aircraft rescue and firefighting suits.

We’re happy the airport received the grant funding which will go a long way to helping Sawyer remain the viable and important resources it is for the region.

“We’re very pleased,” said airport manager Duane DuRay. “This was a highly-anticipated project, The work that is going to take place was deemed absolutely critical to a safe and reliable airport.”

DuRay said the Sands Plains area is susceptible to numerous lightning strikes, which can damage lighting at the airport. He said some of the wiring for the airport runway lighting is particularly old and needs replacement.

If the runway lights were to go out at the airport, flights would be canceled and travelers would question the reliability of the airport, DuRay said.

Phase I of the project was completed in 2012 and 2013 at a total cost of just over $1 million.

The contracts approved in April were for rehabilitating the shoulders and edge lighting on the south half of runway 1/19 and runway safety area (blast pad) rehabilitation on the approach end of runway 01.

This new work constitutes Phase II.

Local matching costs for the project will be paid for through passenger facility charges, which are derived from a $4.50 tax charged on each departure ticket.

The airport at K.I. Sawyer is vital to the region and it is imperative passengers are able to reliably fly in and out of the airport. This funding will help keep the airport functioning properly and will keep the runways from crumbling into disrepair.

We applaud the award of the grant and hats off to county officials for securing it.