Canada's New Government Funds Six New Airport Safety Projects in British Columbia
ABBOTSFORD, BC, April 2 /CNW Telbec/ - Six British Columbia airports will share close to $5 million for projects to enhance their safety in 2007-2008. Ed Fast, Member of Parliament for Abbotsford, today announced this funding under the Government of Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
"This funding of $5 million will improve the safety and service capacity
of British Columbia airports, and makes an important investment in our growing tourism, travel and delivery industries," said Mr. Fast. "This contribution provides concrete proof of the commitment of this government to the safety of Canadians and the economic strength of our communities."
The Airports Capital Assistance Program finances capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction. Eligible airports must have year-round, regularly scheduled passenger service, they must meet Transport Canada airport certification requirements and they cannot be owned or operated by the Government of Canada.
"The safety and security of the traveling public is a top priority for
Canada's New Government," said Minister Cannon. "These projects will improve airport safety and protect Canadians. They will also boost the economic potential of the airports and surrounding communities."
The money will be distributed to airports in:
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- Abbotsford, where $2,082,925 will cover the purchase of two airport
fire-fighting vehicles.
- Fort St. John, where $338, 319 will cover 90 per cent of the total
estimated cost of $375,910 to replace regulators and automatic gates.
- Nanaimo, where $112,036 will cover 85 percent of the total estimated
cost of $131,807 for a snowplow truck.
- Prince Rupert, where $1,903,892 will pay for over 80 per cent of the
total estimated cost for airfield electrical systems restoration.
- Smithers, where $91,343 will cover 95 per cent of the total estimated
cost of $96,150 for the purchase of a dry/liquid spreader.
- Williams Lake, where $204,731 will replace airfield cables and its
lighting control system.
Backgrounders on the Airports Capital Assistance Program and the selected British Columbia projects are attached.
