No. A006/02For release - April 19, 2002
SYDNEY, N.S. — Rodger Cuzner, MP for Bras d'Or-Cape Breton, and Mark Eyking, MP for Sydney-Victoria, on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced federal funding of $193,500 for a safety improvement project at Sydney Airport under the Government of Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program.
The project involves the rehabilitation of airfield fencing, including the replacement of 3,050 metres of fencing. These improvements will help to ensure that Sydney 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 $7,616,007 for safety improvement projects, under ACAP, at two airports in Nova Scotia.
"Sydney Airport is a key element in the transportation infrastructure of the Island," said
Mr. Eyking. "The new fencing will help prevent access to the airfield by unauthorized persons or by wildlife, thereby making the airport safer," added Mr. Cuzner.
"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."
Transport Canada will contribute 90 percent of the cost of the work to be carried out to a maximum of $193,500, while Sydney Airport Authority will be responsible for the remaining 10 percent, or $21,500.
Sydney Airport is owned and operated by Sydney Airport Authority. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided at the airport, which has handled approximately 110,000 passengers annually over the last three years. Air Nova and Air St. Pierre presently operate regularly scheduled passenger services to the airport. Prince Edward Air operates an air cargo service out of Sydney on behalf of Sameday Courier.
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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