No. P008/97
For release June 25, 1997

AGREEMENT SIGNED TO TRANSFER KAMLOOPS AIRPORT TO LOCAL CONTROL

KAMLOOPS, B.C. -- Fisheries and Oceans Minister David Anderson, on behalf of Transport Minister David M. Collenette, today announced the signing of an agreement to transfer Kamloops Airport to the Kamloops Airport Authority Society.

Following the hand-over of operations, the airports will also become eligible to apply for capital contributions under the new Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP). ACAP will assist eligible airports in financing capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction.

Transport Canada will continue to regulate the safe provision of air navigation services across the country. The department will also continue to ensure safety and security at Canadian airports through aviation regulation and airport certification processes.

"The Kamloops Airport Authority Society is to be congratulated for joining the move towards a new era of airport management," said Mr. Anderson. "Having the airport run by the people who know its role in the community -- and its potential for growth -- will allow it to function in a more commercial and cost-effective manner."

"British Columbia is leading the way in transferring airports to local community interests," added Mr. Collenette. "Since 1995, 15 airports in B.C. have been transferred and eight letters of intent have been signed to transfer B.C. airports into local hands."

Kamloops Airport is one of 70 Regional/Local airports, defined as having a scheduled passenger service of fewer than 200,000 a year for three consecutive years and operated with federal involvement. Under the National Airports Policy, announced in July 1994, local interests have the opportunity to assume ownership of Regional/Local airports during a five-year period ending March 31, 2000.

"The National Airports Policy enables communities to take greater advantage of their airports, reduce costs, and attract new and different types of business," said Mr. Collenette. "Making better use of transportation infrastructure in this manner will ultimately provide a boost to trade, tourism and job creation."

Negotiations to transfer Kamloops Airport began March 1995, following the signing of a Letter of Intent between Kamloops Airport Authority Society and Transport Canada. The official transfer is scheduled to take place on Aug. 25, 1997, allowing for a transition period that will permit the government to meet employee notification requirements and Kamloops Airport Authority Society to prepare for the takeover.

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Contact:

Rod Nelson
Communications, Vancouver
(604) 666-1675

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