No. P06/99
For release April 1, 1999

FORT NELSON AIRPORT OFFICIALLY
TRANSFERRED TO LOCAL INTERESTS

FORT NELSON, B.C. — Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of National Revenue and MP (Vancouver South — Burnaby), on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced the official transfer of Fort Nelson Airport from the federal government to the Fort Nelson-Liard Regional District.

"Fort Nelson is to be congratulated for stepping forward into a new era of airport management," said Mr. Dhaliwal. "Having the airport run by people who know its role in the community — and its potential for growth — will allow Fort Nelson Airport to function in a more commercial and cost-effective manner."

Fort Nelson 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."

Negotiations to transfer Fort Nelson Airport began October 16, 1996 following the signing of a Letter of Intent by the Fort Nelson-Liard Regional District and Transport Canada. The airport will be 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 Fort Nelson 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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