Deputy Premier Pickering says government still awaiting reports from Kraus-Manning for EPA reports.

The Government hired Kraus- Manning, a company that specializes in conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EPA).

On May 7 2012, elected members of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) gathered at a local radio station, for their customary talk show, NDP Radio.

In a question directed to Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Hon. Kedrick Pickering, the caller asked about the status on the EPA Report from Kraus-Manning concerning the extension of the airport runway.

Deputy Premier Pickering stated that the government has not received any information from Kraus-Manning and is waiting on the report, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA) that will give the government the get-go on the Airport Expansion Project.

Airport expansion project

Two meetings were held in March 2012, where Minister Pickering announced that Government will be going ahead with the expansion of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.

Residents were informed that Government was leaning towards option six, which will cost about $38M. With this option, the runway will be extended to some 7,000 feet from 4,000 plus feet, and accommodate AB 390, 320 and the Embrea 190.

It is also expected to reduce the environmental impact, which would save the salt pond and beaches in the area, reduce crosswinds, and accommodate code C and D aircrafts.

However, the disadvantages include higher weather minimums- meaning jets would have to use a height of about 1,290 feet and the runway must be visual, as well as the circling approach.

The concerns include future widening will have an environmental impact on Trellis Bay and the salt ponds.