MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chile announce ambitious Antarctica Strategic Plan

Teniente Marsh airfield, gateway to Chilean Antarctica (FA Chile)

Chile’s Public Works Ministry announced the launching of five new projects in Antarctica.

The projects, which together make up the Antarctic Strategy Plan, will serve to improve the quality of existing facilities, build new infrastructure, and heighten ground security.

One of the projects includes the lengthening and improvement of the Teniente Marsh airfield, the main Chilean base in King George Island.

“The renovation of the airfield will cost more than 100 million US dollars. This project is our highest priority because it will increases mainland access to Chile’s Antarctic territory,” said Public Works Minister Sergio Bitar.

Other projects in the Antarctic Strategy Plan include a docking pier, port development, and restoration of the Prat Base – the oldest Chilean base in Antarctica.

After the completion of a feasibility report in 2011, the project is set for completion in 2014.

By Kamille Go (editor@santiagotimes.cl)