No. ON 03/03For release - May 30, 2003
KENORA-RAINY RIVER, Ont. — Robert D. Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and MP for Kenora-Rainy River, on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced federal funding of more than $1.5 million for safety improvement projects at five airports in Northern Ontario under the Government of Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program.
"These airports provide vital transportation services to the residents of the Kenora-Rainy River area," said Nault. "They are considered an essential component of Northern Ontario's transportation infrastructure."
The airport improvement projects announced today include:
Crushing, hauling and stockpiling of 20,000 cubic metres of crushed material to upgrade the runways at both the Sachigo Lake and Keewaywin Airports ($880,000);
Construction of new wildlife control fencing on the west side and the north end of Sioux Lookout Airport ($399,000);
The purchase of a new plow truck for snow removal at Dryden Regional Airport ($205,200); and
The installation of airfield guidance signs at Fort Frances Airport ($70,669).
These improvements will help to ensure that the airports remain safe and efficient facilities.
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 $70.8 million for safety improvement projects, under ACAP, at 32 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."
Funding for these projects was provided for in the February 2003 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
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Contact:
Stephanie SanfordCommunications, Toronto(416) 952-0156
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BACKGROUNDER
AIRPORTS CAPITAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ACAP)
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 toward capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction. To be eligible, an airport must receive regularly scheduled passenger service, meet airport certification requirements, and not be owned by the federal government.
In June 2000, ACAP eligibility and funding was expanded to accommodate requirements of the proposed Aircraft Emergency Intervention Services (AEIS) regulations created as an amendment to the Canadian Aviation Regulations. As a result, airports required to provide AEIS, and their emergency service providers are eligible to apply for funding for appropriate projects.
The current ACAP envelope will allocate $190 million over five years (2000/01 to 2004/05) at an average of $38M per year. Contributions will be considered for the following types of projects:
First priority projects include safety-related airside projects, such as the rehabilitation of runways, taxiways, aprons, associated lighting, visual aids, sand storage sheds and utilities to service eligible items. This category also includes related site-preparation costs (including associated environmental costs), and aircraft firefighting specialized vehicles and ancillary equipment and equipment shelters which are necessary to maintain the regulated level of protection at an airport.
Second priority projects include safety-related heavy airside mobile equipment, such as runway snowblowers, runway snowplows, runway sweepers, spreaders, and winter friction testing devices.
Third priority projects include safety-related air terminal building/groundside projects, such as sprinkler systems, asbestos removal and barrier-free access.
Fourth priority projects include asset protection or refurbishing, or operating cost reduction related to the air terminal building or groundside access and heavy airside mobile equipment shelters.
Priority for funding will also be established on the basis of a detailed technical analysis of a facility's condition and maintenance history, an examination of an airport's traffic and airport certification requirements.
To be acceptable, projects must maintain or improve safety levels, protect airport assets, or significantly reduce operating costs. All projects must also meet accepted engineering practices and be justified on the basis of current demand. Projects requiring an expansion of an airport's facilities will only be considered if it can be demonstrated that the current facilities negatively impact safety.
Transport Canada's first priority is safety. Through ACAP, the Government of Canada is helping to enhance not only airport safety, but the economic viability of this important aspect of Canada's transportation infrastructure.
May 2003
