PRESQUE ISLE – Northern Maine Regional Airport has purchased a special ramp that will make it easier for local air carriers to help both able-bodied and disabled passengers board planes more safely and efficiently.

Wheelchair users and passengers who otherwise could not walk up steep and narrow aircraft loading stairs will be able to board with all passengers using the new gentle-slope ramp.

“The addition of this equipment will greatly improve passenger and employee safety, and provide an efficient and dignified way of handling disabled passengers,” Tom Stevens, Presque Isle city manager, said in a press release.

Employees of Colgan Air, which provides scheduled air service to the airport, will operate the equipment.

The ramp cost $21,900, according to Stevens. The city and state each paid 5 percent of the cost, while the Federal Aviation Administration paid the remaining 90 percent.