No. A002/03For release - March 28, 2003
SYDNEY, NS — Rodger Cuzner, MP (Bras d'Or-Cape Breton), on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced federal funding of $559,000 for two improvement projects at Sydney Airport under the Government of Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP).
"The Sydney Airport has been providing safe and accessible transportation to and from Cape Breton for the last 70 years", said Mr. Cuzner. "This essential transportation link will help grow our economy and attract new business opportunities to the Island."
The first project is safety related and involves the refurbishment of two snow blowers used for snow clearing operations on the airside at Sydney Airport. The Government of Canada's contribution of $465,500 represents 95% of these refurbishment costs.
The second project involves the complete restoration of the airport's water treatment plant. The Sydney Airport operates it's own water supply, treatment and distribution system. The Government of Canada's contribution of $93,500 represents 50% of the restoration costs to help protect these assets.
These improvements will help to ensure that Sydney Airport remains a safe and efficient facility.
The 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, under ACAP, the Government of Canada has announced a total of $8,371,013 for safety improvement projects at two airports in Nova Scotia.
"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."
Sydney Airport is owned and operated by the Sydney Airport Authority Inc. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided at the airport, which handled about 91,000 passengers annually over the last three years. Air Canada Jazz and Air St. Pierre provide year-round scheduled air service while Jetsgo provides a weekly service during the summer tourist season. Prince Edward Air also provides air cargo service on behalf of Sameday Courier.
Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2003 budget and is therefore built into the current fiscal framework.
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Contact:
Maurice LandryRegional Director, CommunicationsTransport Canada, Atlantic RegionTel: (506) 851-7562
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