No. P03/99
For release February 26, 1999

AGREEMENT SIGNED TO TRANSFER
TERRACE AIRPORT TO LOCAL INTERESTS

TERRACE, B.C. — David Anderson, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and MP (Victoria), on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced the signing of an agreement to transfer Terrace Airport to the Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society, with the hand-over of airport operations scheduled for March 31, 1999.

"Terrace 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."

Terrace 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 — during a five-year period ending March 31, 2000 — to assume ownership of Regional/Local Airports.

"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. "The better use of transportation infrastructure in this manner will ultimately provide a boost to trade, tourism and job creation."

The official transfer is scheduled to take place March 31, 1999, allowing for a transition period that will permit the government to meet employee notification requirements and the Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society to prepare for the takeover.

Transport Canada employees at Terrace Airport have been offered positions with the Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society at their current salary levels. It is anticipated that five employees will transfer to the Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society.

Negotiations to transfer Terrace Airport began June 23, 1995 following the signing of a Letter of Intent by the Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society and Transport Canada. Following the hand-over of operations, the airport will also become eligible to apply for capital contributions under the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP). ACAP assists 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 at Terrace Airport and across the country. The department will also continue to ensure safety and security at Canadian airports through aviation regulation and airport certification processes.

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Contact:

Rod Nelson
Communications, Vancouver
(604) 666-1675

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