Government officials on Wednesday inked a deal with a local Long Island contractor to carry out the resurfacing of the runway at the Stella Maris Airport in north Long Island.
Rowdy Boys Construction Company, headed by Bernard Knowles, will have the task of restoring the dilapidated runway.
The work is expected to cost the government $461,020 and is expected to be completed within two months, making it possible for the facility to be reopened just in time for the Long Island Regatta in June.
Ministry of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin ordered the privately owned airport closed several weeks ago after identifying unsafe conditions at the facility.
Minister of Works and Utilities Bradley Roberts said during the contract signing on Wednesday that while the facility is privately owned his government saw the urgent need to have the airport up and running to facilitate the continued development and growth of north Long Island.
According to officials, the renovation work at the airport is expected to begin early next week.
Rowdy Boys Construction will be responsible for the reconstruction of the runway, resurfacing of the taxiway and apron areas to facilitate drainage and the reinstatement of runway markings.
Mr. Knowles thanked the government for entrusting a qualified Bahamian firm to carry out the restorations.
“I-thank the government for giving us this opportunity to do this job and we will do our best, the best we could,” he said.
Once completed, the Stella Maris Airport will be in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Certified standards, making it possible for normal air traffic to fly in and out, according to officials.
With just under half a million dollars of public funds being pumped into this project, officials noted that the question of ownership arises.
Minister Hanna-Martin said the government is negotiating with the current owners to buy the airport.
“We have been in discussion with the owners of that facility and they have agreed to transfer the Bahamas government for the cost of one dollar the Stella Maris Airport,” Minister Hanna-Martin explained. “At the end of the day this facility will be owned by the Bahamas Government, the people of The Bahamas.”
Officials also announced that the government plans to carry out major renovations to the Deadman’s Cay Airport, the only other functioning airport on Long Island.
“It is noteworthy that these works are being carried out in constituencies represented by the opposition,” Minister Roberts said. “It affirms the commitment of the Christie government’s pledge to represent all the people throughout The Bahamas regardless of who their member of parliament may be.”
Former Independent MP Larry Cartwright, who recently rejoined the FNM, represents Long Island. He had expressed great concern that the north Long Island Airport was closed.
By: Stephen Gay, The Bahama Journal
