Norman Wells (Apr 18/05) - Contracts are to be tendered today for a planned $7.8-million renovation to the Norman Wells Airport.

Bids will close in the first week of May, with construction commencing in June.

Most of the funding is being provided by the Airport Capital Assistance Plan through Transport Canada, while the Government of the Northwest Territories will provide $678,000.

Up to seven centimetres of asphalt will be milled off the 1,800-metre runway and replaced with a new, softer type of asphalt that's less susceptible to cracking during winter cold.

The runway's apron will also be expanded by 30 per cent.

Monies donated by the Government of the Northwest Territories will be put toward the improvement of Taxiway C.

In 2005, $2.9 million will be spent on to the project. Gravel will be crushed and subgrade material will be hauled and the apron embankment will be expanded.

In 2006, work will consist of milling operations and application of asphalt and concrete to airside surfaces.

The apron needs to be expanded due to congestion near the terminal.

"A larger area is required to de-plane people at Norman Wells," said project manager Bill Chapple.

NWT Department of Transportation spokesman Bob Kelly said traffic has increased sharply at the Norman Wells airport and "will jump considerably if the Mackenzie Gas Project goes ahead."

The work on the runways and airside surfaces is being done because the old surface is brittle and has a lot of cracks, said Chapple.

Much of the equipment needed for the project will be moved in by barge, adding approximately 25 to 35 per cent to the cost, compared to a similar project south of 60, he said.