No. ON012/02For release - April 19, 2002
SUDBURY, Ont. — Ray Bonin, MP for Nickel Belt, together with the Honourable Diane Marleau, MP for Sudbury, on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced federal funding of $1,127,000 for safety improvement projects at Sudbury 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.
"This contribution will strengthen the Sudbury Airport role as an integral part of the economic infrastructure of Northern Ontario," said Mr. Bonin.
The projects involve the replacement of the approach indicator and approach lighting systems as well as the purchase of one runway sweeper. These improvements will help to ensure that Sudbury Airport remains a safe and efficient facility.
"Safety and security are Transport Canada's top priorities," added Ms. Marleau. "With today's contribution towards Sudbury Airport, the Government of Canada is helping to enhance not only safety, but also the economic potential of the transportation infrastructure of Ontario."
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."
Sudbury Airport is owned and operated by the Sudbury Airport Community Development Corporation. Air Ontario, Bearskin Airlines and West Jet Airlines provide regularly scheduled passenger service to the airport, as do a number of charter and cargo aircraft. The airport handles an average of 169,703 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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