THE airport runway extension could be back before the States by the end of the year. The Chamber of Commerce wants to use the opportunity for a full debate on the value of an extension for business.

‘We can look at all the options, including the likely growth in air travel, and the restrictions of the current runway length, so that the States can make a decision on the basis of full information,’ said Chamber president Mark Gill.

In November the States voted 39-15 against extension.

But a successful last-minute amendment by Tourist Board president Deputy Geoff Norman forced the board to bring a business plan on extending the runway back to the House the next time routine runway upgrading was discussed.

A board spokesman said that a report might go back before the House before the end of the year.

‘It depends on what crops up first,’ he said.

This could be provision of the Resas [runway end safety areas] or resurfacing. The Public Services Department will take responsibility for the airport under the new machinery of government.

Chamber believes extending the runway is essential for the tourist and finance industries.

‘We would certainly like to see the successor to the Board of Administration conduct a feasibility study and we would assist them if they wish, in providing information,’ said Mr Gill.

He said a large sum had to be spent on the runway for safety reasons and it would make sense to extend it at the same time.

‘This is high on Chamber’s agenda. It’s really a very important issue for the next four years.’

But St Andrew’s Deputy Dave Barrett, who lives in St Peter’s, did not think the cost could be justified.

‘It’s essential that we build new schools but not essential to extend the airport runway.’

The abolition of corporate tax in 2008 would result in huge shortfall and many capital spending projects needed to be paid for.

‘I can’t see how we would be able to justify it, as it really needs extending at both ends which has been identified in the reports.’

Deputy Barrett said that personally he would be better off if the runway were extended. Aircraft would no longer be taking off over his house and noise would be reduced.

Torteval douzenier Bill Robilliard said that he understood that an extension was not necessarily essential, but desirable.