The City of Humboldt did an about face at its Executive Meeting on Monday in regard to off-loading the Humboldt airport, referred to as the aerodrome, to private ownership.
A report prepared by Public Works Director Peter Bergquist and presented to council recommended that the City’s administration “re-engage selected surrounding municipalities that are believed to benefit the most from the airport discussions regarding ownership model options.”
The report went on to suggest that the City negotiate with key municipalities (RM of Humboldt, RM of Wolverine, RM of St. Peter, RM of Leroy) on sharing the financial burden on repairs to form something akin to a “regional airport authority.”
The recommendation follows responses from airport interest groups at an April 28 public hearing. Based on concerns expressed about access to the facilities and previous investments by private groups and organizations, the report acknowledged the challenges that private ownership of the aerodrome would present.
The Director examined the runway and collected photos on May 2 to determine the extent of the work needed to bring the runways up to operating standards. One option is to pulverize and pave the runway, which was deemed to be a good solution given the condition of the base, at an estimated cost of $850,000 to $1 million. That would give the runway an approximate lifespan of 20 to 30 years.
Another option tabled in the report was a complete rebuilding of the runway, costing $1,637,200 based on 2025 tendered figures. The cost would be higher if the project is delayed.
Keeping the facility public seemed to be the drive of the interest groups. Consequently, City Council voted to adopt the recommendation and return to an approach that would attempt to engage surrounding municipalities regarding their participation in funding and partnered ownership. The full report is available on the City of Humboldt website.