No. PNR004/03 For release November 12, 2003 OFFICIAL COMPLETION OF IMPROVEDFACILITES AT FORT McMURRAY AIRPORT FORT McMURRAY, AB -- The Honourable Tommy Banks, Senator, on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today officially commemorated the completion of major improvement projects at Fort McMurray Airport, and announced $575,781 for airside mobile equipment at Fort McMurray Airport and Fort Chipewyan Airport, funded under the Government of Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP). The improvement projects at Fort McMurray Airport, with an announced value of $3,703,030, began in spring 2003 and consisted of the rehabilitation of airside surfaces and included the repaving of the airport's runway and taxiways. These improvement projects created a total of 30 jobs. The addition of a runway sweeper ($178,200) will help ensure that Fort McMurray Airport remains a safe and efficient facility. Fort McMurray Airport also received ACAP funding in 2001 to rehabilitate airside lighting. In Fort Chipewyan, the purchase of a snow blower ($397,581) will enhance the airport's winter maintenance operation. The airport received ACAP funding in 1996 to repair its runway, in 1998 to rehabilitate airfield lighting and in 1999 to rehabilitate its runway, taxiways and apron. "The Government of Canada has announced funding of $5.6 million toward Fort McMurray Airport since 2001, and $3.4 million toward Fort Chipewyan Airport since 1996" said Senator Banks. "This is a clear indication that the Government of Canada has a continued commitment to the people of these communities and to northern Alberta." "ACAP is an example of the Government of Canada directing infrastructure resources to where they are most needed and can best enhance safety," said Minister Collenette. "This project is an example of the Government of Canada's priority to provide facilities that not only meet safety standards, but also contribute to the economic potential of Canada's transportation infrastructure.""With the tremendous growth our region is experiencing, it is imperative that our airport is well maintained in order to provide exceptional service to its many users," said Mayor Faulkner. "I would like to thank the Minister for allocating the funds necessary for the recent upgrades to the runway and taxiways." "Fort McMurray is well positioned as a high quality airport servicing Alberta and beyond," said Darryl Wightman, Chief Executive Officer of the Fort McMurray Airport. "These improvements to our facility will ensure that Fort McMurray Airport is equipped to continue to play this important role well into the future." ACAP is part of the National Airports Policy, which was announced in July 1994. Under ACAP, which officially began in April 1995 and was renewed in June 2000, airports may apply for funding toward 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. Fort McMurray Airport is owned by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and operated by the Fort McMurray Regional Airport Commission, while Fort Chipewyan Airport is owned and operated by the Regional Municipality. Fort McMurray Airport was officially transferred from the Government of Canada to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in March 1999. They are certified facilities that receive regularly scheduled passenger service. - 30 - Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada. This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities. BACKGROUNDERACAP PROJECTS ATFORT MCMURRAY AND FORT CHIPEWYANAIRPORTSFort McMurray: Project Date Announced Amount Rehabilitate airfield lighting April 27, 2001 $1,817,370 Rehabilitate airside surfaces, including repaving the runway and taxiways April 22, 2003 $3,703,030 Replace runway sweeper November 12, 2003 $178,200 TOTAL $5,698,600 Fort Chipewyan: Project Date Announced Amount Runway repairs, including drainage rehabilitation August 8, 1996 $70,000 Rehabilitation of various components of airfield lighting system July 27, 1998 $800,530 Rehabilitation of the runway, taxiway and apron surfaces and associated drainage systems December 20, 1999 $2,172,300 Replace snow blower November 12, 2003 $397,581 TOTAL $5,698,600
