Alderney States would give £3.5m. to airport project
STATES OF ALDERNEY members have agreed to contribute £3.5m. to build its new airport and extend the runway.
The final say still lies with Guernsey deputies, who will debate the contribution figure at next week’s States meeting.
Alderney’s States members said the unified response on the matter was a positive, and that the £24m. total cost of the airport rehabilitation would benefit Guernsey as well as Alderney.
The contribution would come from the Guernsey bond, which would be paid back over 22 years with an interest rate of between 3.625% and 4.25%.
Opening the debate, Policy & Finance president Ian Carter noted a number of concerns raised by the public at a recent drop-in, which included the availability of emergency services at a bigger airport, and how running costs would be affected.
‘It is a complex jigsaw and there are two key underlying aspects – economics and the survival and development of a thriving island community which is the most important,’ said Mr Carter.
He said that the States of Guernsey had emphasised that any contribution must be demonstrably affordable, but there were risks involved.
‘It would mean reduced capital investments which sets a precedent for future projects. It is a weighty proposition and will weigh in the balance of deputies.’
Alex Snowdon, who sits in Guernsey’s States meetings as one of the two Alderney representatives, said that Option C+ is the best option for the island’s economy.
‘A larger runway creates opportunities for the island. We have big players saying we need strong transport links. People need to have confidence in Alderney or I feel we are going to go backwards,’ said Mr Snowdon.
‘If we do well, Guernsey does well. If we don’t take this forward we will become a costly burden to Guernsey.’
He said that a reliable and functioning airport would attract more younger people to the island, easing economic pressures of the ageing population.
‘If it doesn’t happen, how do we get young people to stay here, and get more young people coming to the island. It is a lot of money for the States of Alderney, but obviously they see it as fundamentally important for taking forward.’
Policy & Resources will consider the contribution figure at the States meeting on 23 November, when they will also debate the policy letter on Alderney’s airport rehabilitation.
