No. Q 004/03For release - May 6, 2003
Nunavik, Quebec — Mr. Guy St-Julien, MP for Abitibi, today announced, on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, federal funding up to a maximum of $1,537,000 for two projects to improve safety at Chisasibi Airport under the Government of Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program.
The projects are part of a total of nearly $4.8 million in funding recently approved for ten safety improvement projects at seven airports in Quebec.
"In addition to meeting safety requirements, the financial contribution provided by Transport Canada will help to improve year-round access for people and supplies in this isolated community in Nunavik," said Mr.St-Julien.
The first project, which will receive funding up to $1,135,000, includes the construction of a shelter for heavy vehicles and a sand storage building. It also includes the building of a perimeter fence to control the access of people, vehicles and animals to airport facilities. The second project, which will receive funding up to $402,000, includes the purchase of a wheel-mounted loader with a snowblower to remove snow from the runway. The improvements will help to maintain the safety and efficiency of Chisasibi Airport.
The Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) is part of the National Airports Policy, which was announced in July 1994. Under the ACAP, which officially began on 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 approximately $37 million for 26 safety improvement projects under ACAP at 12 airports in Quebec.
"ACAP is an example of the Government of Canada directing infrastructure resources to where they are most needed and can best enhance safety," added Mr. Collenette. "This program is just one way the government through the National Airports Policy seeks to ensure a safe, efficient and affordable airport system to serve Canadians well into the future."
The safety improvement projects at Chisasibi Airport complement Gathering Strength, Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan, which is an initiative of the Government of Canada to promote partnership with Aboriginal people.
Chisasibi Airport is operated by the Chisasibi Band Council, which has owned it since 1979. Regularly scheduled air passenger service is provided at the airport, which handles approximately 5,000 passengers a year.
Funding for the projects was provided for in the federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
A table is attached showing the distribution of the total of nearly $4.8 million in funding recently approved for ten safety improvement projects at seven airports in Quebec.
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Contact:
Donald BeaulieuCommunications, Dorval(514) 633-2741
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INFORMATIONTEN SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTSAT SEVEN AIRPORTS IN QUEBEC
Puvirnituq
Regravelling of the runway
$721,200
Kangirsuk
Regravelling of the runway
$1,053,000
Chisasibi
Construction of a shelter for heavy vehicles, a sand storage building and a perimeter fence
$1,135,000
Purchase of a wheel-mounted loader with a snowblower
$402,000
La Grande Rivière
Purchase of a bucket loader
$314,000
Rouyn-Noranda
Purchase of a runway sweeperand a decelerometer
$195,200$7,700
Val d'Or
Purchase of a decelerometer
$7,000
Alma
Purchase and installation of a medium intensity visual aid system and installation of an electric gate
$638,500
Purchase of a decelerometer and a snowplow rig with a spreader body
$317,400
Total
$4,791,000
