No. A005/02For release - April 18, 2002
STEPHENVILLE, NF — Bill Matthews, MP for Burin-St. George's, on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced federal funding of $337,800 for a safety improvement project at Stephenville Airport under the Government of Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program.
The project involves the purchase of a front-end loader and a truck complete with material spreader. These improvements will help to ensure that Stephenville 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, 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.
Since 1995, the Government of Canada has announced a total of $6,448,766 for safety improvement projects, under ACAP, at three airports in Newfoundland and Labrador.
"The Stephenville Airport is a critical component in the transportation infrastructure of western Newfoundland," said Mr. Matthews. "The heavy equipment that will be purchased is required for snow clearing and other activities related to maintaining a safe airport facility."
"ACAP is an example of the Government of Canada directing infrastructure resources to where they are most needed and can best enhance safety," said Mr. Collenette. "This program is just 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."
Stephenville Airport is owned and operated by the Stephenville Airport Corporation. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided at the airport, which has handled approximately 33,000 passengers annually over the past three years. Passenger service in Stephenville is provided by Labrador Airways, Air Nova, and Interprovincial Airlines. International corporate and scheduled passenger jets also utilize the airport on a frequent basis.
Funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 budget and is therefore built into the current fiscal framework.
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Contact:
Lucille LeBlancCommunications, Atlantic Region(709) 772-6197
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