Environmental impact assessments for VG airport ongoing

~~Adz:Left~~ Virgin Gorda, B.V. I- Environmental impact assessments for the new airport on Virgin Gorda are ongoing and should be completed by the end of September.

The topographic and oceanographic studies are now in progress and a bathymetric survey will be conducted on September 8. The topographic study will provide landmark and landscape information while the oceanographic and bathymetric studies will provide information on marine and ecosystems, ocean currents, underwater depth and the contour of ocean floors.

Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office Mrs. Rosalie Adams told the Department of Information and Public Relations a final report will be submitted to Government in October when these studies are complete. The findings of these surveys will be incorporated into the design of the airport to minimise any potential negative impact.

Mrs. Adams noted that once the design has been finalised and approved by Cabinet, Government will then embark on the tendering process for a contractor.

The environment impact assessments are required under the Physical Planning Act, 2004.
Government signed an agreement on June 17, with the United Kingdom based company Halcrow Group Limited to produce a safer and more modern airport on Virgin Gorda.

When complete, the airport which will be constructed according to international standards will have the capacity to accommodate 19-seater aircraft.

The creation of a modern airport on Virgin Gorda represents Government’s ongoing commitment to improve the Territory’s infrastructure as part of efforts to facilitate continued growth and development.