No. ON013/02For release - April 19, 2002
SARNIA, Ont. — Roger Gallaway, MP for Sarnia--Lampton, on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced federal funding of $1,466,461 for safety improvement projects at Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport under the Government of Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program. This announcement is part of federal funding of $10.2 million announced today for airport improvement projects at eight airports in Ontario.
"Safety and security are Transport Canada's top priorities," said Mr. Gallaway. "With today's contribution towards Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport, the Government of Canada is helping to enhance not only safety, but also the economic potential of the nation's transportation infrastructure."
The projects involve the pavement rehabilitation of the airport's main runway and the replacement of the approach indicator systems. These improvements will help to ensure that Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport remains a safe and efficient facility.
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, 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.
Since 1995, the Government of Canada has announced a total of $59.3 million for safety improvement projects, under ACAP, at 30 airports in Ontario.
"ACAP is an example of the Government of Canada directing infrastructure resources to where they are needed and can best enhance safety," said Mr. Collenette. "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."
The Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport is owned by the City of Sarnia and operated by Scottsdale Aviation Inc. Air Canada Regional is the official carrier serving the airport, which provides regularly scheduled passenger service and handles an average of 46,584 passengers annually.
Funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
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Contact:
Gail CrossmanCommunications, Toronto(416) 952-0156
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