No. A003/03For release - April 1, 2003
ST. JOHN'S — Gerry Byrne, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) and MP (Humber-St. Barbe-Baie Verte), on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced the renewal of the Labrador Coast Airstrips Restoration Program for an additional five years. The Government of Canada will provide a financial contribution of up to $5 million for the restoration of the Labrador Coast Airstrips for the period 2003/04 to 2007/08.
"This is positive news for the residents and businesses of these communities," said Mr. Byrne. "These airstrips provide a reliable transportation link for coastal Labrador communities on a year-round basis."
The airstrips are located in the following communities: Black Tickle, Charlottetown, Cartwright, Davis Inlet, Fox Harbour, Hopedale, Makkovik, Mary's Harbour, Nain, Port Hope Simpson, Postville, Rigolet and Williams Harbour.
"Residents of our coastal communities rely heavily on air transportation," said Lawrence O'Brien, MP for Labrador. "The renewal of this program will ensure that they have continued access to safe and quality airstrips."
Under a 1982 Labrador Air/Marine Services Agreement, Transport Canada has an ongoing commitment to fund the Labrador Coast Airstrips Restoration Program. The primary objective of the Program is to restore the airstrips along the Labrador Coast to ensure the operational capability of the airstrips is maintained at the level necessary to meet Transport Canada Airport Certification requirements. Since 1983, close to $7 million has been invested in Labrador Coast airstrip restoration projects under this program.
"The coastal communities of Labrador are critically dependent on their airstrip for accessing the national transportation system on a year-round basis," said Mr. Collenette. "The Labrador Coast Airstrip Restoration Program is part of the Government of Canada's commitment to provide reasonable access to the national transportation system for remote communities where such access is not financially self-sufficient but is essential to their survival."
The Restoration Program funds projects which contribute to increasing the life of airport assets, such as runways, taxiways, aprons, access roads and equipment/passenger shelters.
The restoration projects under the program are 100% funded by the Government of Canada. The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador is responsible for all costs associated with the operation and routine maintenance of the facilities.
Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2003 federal budget.
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Contact:
Maurice LandryRegional Director, CommunicationsTransport Canada, Atlantic RegionTel: (506) 851-7562
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