Funding remains an issue (280 words)

Published: 9/6/2000

According to Valentin Rutsky, Deputy Head of the Komi Department of FSVT, the overhaul and construction of airports in the Komi Republic has received sufficient funding for the first time in six years to substantially progress a number of ongoing projects. By the end of 2000, lighting equipment and an ATC should be fully installed at the former military airbase Sovetsky Airport in Vorkuta after the expenditure of 5m rubles in the 2000 budget. The installation of the equipment has also involved the laying of a new electricity line, as the previous power supply used by the military failed to meet the technical requirements. The new airport outside of the town centre of Syktyvkar replaces a facility in the centre. Construction started in 1982 and is 75% complete. However, it still requires 600m rubles of further investment before it can be certified for flights and start operating, according to Rutsky, and will be complete by 2002. The airport's runway is reported to be 95% complete and the terminal building is finished but has not been fitted out. Additional investment is required for infrastructure, such as aircraft maintenance facilities, hangars and other services such as lighting equipment and the airport's radar, although the radar for the regional ATC is in operation. The Komi authorities plan to use the airport also for the lucrative refuelling of international flights, and are eager to complete the construction as soon as possible. However, the budget allocation of 21m rubles for 2000 suggests that it may prove difficult to make the deadline of 2002 set earlier in the summer.

Article ID: 2061