ROSEAU, Minn. – An airfield that straddles the U.S.-Canada border is shutting down. The Piney-Pinecreek Border Airport desperately needs upkeep – and neither the Minnesota nor Manitoba government is willing to put any money into it. The reason: The 3,200-foot asphalt runway is listed in aviation documents in poor condition with tall vegetation growing through cracks. Also: The apron also needs work, and the terminal needs reconstruction. The international agreement required to operate the airport expires Thursday. The airport opened in 1953 with a grass runway. A paved runway was added in 1978. Although calling itself a gateway to both countries, the field’s traffic has been mostly Americans traveling to Canada to hunt and fish. Operations have averaged 250 a month.
