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No. P03/01
For release April 10, 2001
$8 MILLION IN SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AT FIVE B.C. AIRPORTS
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. –– Transport Minister David Collenette, together with Environment
Minister David Anderson, today announced total federal funding of $8,147,600 for airport
improvement projects at Abbotsford Airport, Bella Bella (Campbell Island) Airport,
Campbell River Airport, Cranbrook Airport, and Terrace–Kitimat Airport, under the
Government of Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program.
"Safety is Transport Canada’s top priority," said Minister
Collenette.
"With today’s contribution towards these five B.C. Airports, the Government of Canada
is helping to enhance not only safety, but also the economic potential of the nation’s
transportation infrastructure."
The projects announced today include:
- selective surface repair of Runway 07/25 and the reconstruction of the south apron
including storm drainage and lighting improvements at Abbotsford Airport, employing
approximately 25 people for a total of 14 weeks ($2,514,000);
- airside paving projects, as well as the extension of Runway 13 at Bella Bella Airport,
employing approximately 20 people over a three–month period ($3,065,700);
- construction of a helicopter parking area, associated airfield lighting improvements and
a passenger walkway at Campbell River Airport ($163,900);
- restoring of the Runway 34 turnabout area at Cranbrook Airport ($73,000); and
- overlay of Runway 15/33 at Terrace–Kitimat Airport, employing approximately 30 people
over a two–month period ($2,331,000).
The Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) is part of the National Airports Policy,
which was announced in July, 1994. Under ACAP, which officially began April 1, 1995 and
was renewed in June 2000, airports may apply for funding towards capital projects related
to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction. To be eligible, they must
receive regularly scheduled passenger service, meet airport certification requirements and
not be owned by the Government of Canada.
"ACAP is an example of the Government of Canada is directing infrastructure
resources to where they are most needed and can best enhance safety," said Mr.
Anderson. "This program is one way the government – through the National Airports
Policy – seeks to ensure a safe, efficient and affordable airports system to serve
Canadians well into the future."
Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2000 budget and is therefore
built into the existing financial framework.
A backgrounder on the five airports receiving ACAP funding is attached.
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Contact: Rod Nelson, Communications, Vancouver, (604) 666–1675
Transport Canada is online at http://www.tc.gc.ca/.
Subscribe to news releases and speeches at www.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and
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