‘All of us in business are absolutely delighted,’ said Andrew Eggleston.
‘This is going to future-proof Alderney for the next 20-30 years.’
However, he said he had spoken to people who were concerned about the length of time that the runway might be out of action while the work is carried out.
No time frame has been drawn up yet but he imagined that the work could take place between spring and autumn next year, once a tender had been approved.
‘Well they can’t do the work in January,’ said Mr Eggleston.
The States of Guernsey has indicated that work would be likely to happen during that time frame, but there is uncertainty about how long the runway might need to close for.
‘It’s just now a question of calming down people over here who’re worrying about what’s going to happen when it’s closed.
‘There will be contingencies in place, like a helicopter for medevacs and perhaps a larger boat. We’re not going to be left alone.’
Mr Eggleston said that Chamber was ‘very pleased’ with the comments made by island representative Edward Hill during Wednesday’s debate on the proposals, which were approved by 33 votes to three.
In setting out Alderney’s case for the runway, Mr Hill referred to the economic benefit that the island had brought to the Bailiwick and referred to figures he had previously quoted for gambling licensees bringing in between £27m. and £84m. a year, although he said these were ‘moving figures’.
One alone had accrued £23m. in potential Pillar 2 payments for 2027.
‘I would kindly ask that deputies might want to put that potential earning capacity into the £24m. runway perspective,’ he said. ‘I would also like to ask deputies to wonder if, without a functioning airport, that licensee would remain committed to this jurisdiction?’
Guernsey’s Economic Development Committee president Sasha Kazantseva-Miller praised Alderney’s equivalent body for its work and for advancing some ‘really forward-thinking and forward-looking propositions’.
‘Without connectivity we are not a Bailiwick,’ she said.
Simon Vermeulen was the only one of three deputies who voted against the proposals who spoke in debate. He said he was aware of concern from Guernsey residents over whether it was right for the local taxpayer to be funding Alderney’s airport.
‘It cuts against the grain.'
The States of Alderney said it would make every effort to help contain costs and welcomed the vote as 'a clear signal of commitment to the prompt, efficient and responsible delivery of essential infrastructure'.
'After several years of uncertainty, this outcome offers much-needed clarity and momentum.'
The revised project will see essential resurfacing, upgraded lighting and drainage, and a widening of the existing asphalt runway to 23 metres.
It said it was determined to ensure that essential access to and from the island was maintained.
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