The mayor of Stephenville is maintaining confidence that the asset that was once the Stephenville Airport can still be salvaged, but it will have to be accomplished without government help.

Since it was purchased for pocket change in 2023, it has lost its airport status, and Newfoundland Power cut electricity to the facility in June.

Now, the Marine Institute has been forced to seek another location for its Emergency Response Training Centre.  The program, which usually starts in the fall semester, has been pushed back to January, and the school has removed all its assets and equipment from the mouldering airport building.

Mayor Tom Rose is looking for an urgent meeting with Premier John Hogan to see what can be done.

Industry Minister Steve Crocker says the airport is privately owned, and the department has not been engaged and has no active role in the matter.