No. A004/04 For publication April 30, 2004 ST. JOHN'S - Restoration projects will be carried out at seven airstrips in Labrador in fiscal year 2004-2005 under the Labrador Coast Airstrips Restoration Program. This announcement was made today by Lawrence O'Brien, MP for Labrador, on behalf of Transport Minister Tony Valeri. "The work being carried out at these airstrips on the coast of Labrador will ensure they continue to provide an essential transportation link on a year-round basis," said Mr. O'Brien. "This is positive news for the residents and businesses of these communities." 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, the Government of Canada has invested close to $8 million in Labrador Coast airstrip restoration projects under this program. In April 2003, the Government of Canada announced that for the period of April 2003 to March 2008, it will invest up to $5 million for the restoration of the Labrador Coast airstrips. "The people living in the coastal communities of Labrador depend on their airstrip for accessing the national transportation system on a year-round basis," said Mr. Valeri. "Today's contribution towards the Program demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment in building a 21st century economy and ensuring that every region of the country has the opportunity to move forward, socially and economically, on a rising tide of progress." The airstrips funded in this year's restoration projects include: Black Tickle, Hopedale, Makkovik, Port Hope Simpson, Postville, Rigolet, and Williams Harbour. The Government of Canada is contributing $1 million toward this year's restoration projects, which represents 100 percent of the cost. A list and description of this year's restoration projects is attached. - 30 - Contact: Maurice Landry Communications Transport Canada (709) 772-6197 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. LABRADOR COAST AIRSTRIPS RESTORATION PROGRAM PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004/2005 The 2004/05 projects include : Black Tickle - Replace cables to pullpits, cable connectors and transformers as necessary; replace two 600 to 240V transformers; and repair and adjust Abbreviated Visual Approach Slope Indicator System (AVASIS) units. Hopedale - Replace cable connectors and transformers as necessary; supply and install new wind cone; replace two heating fuel system storage tanks and related equipment, such as pumps; restore/reconfigure passenger waiting area; upgrade sewer system; and supply and install gates and fencing to secure apron access. Makkovik - Replace cables to pullpits, cable connectors and transformers as required; install fencing and gates to secure access to apron; and install overhead doors to maintenance garage. Port Hope Simpson - Replace cables to pullpits, cable connectors and transformers as required; adjust Abbreviated Visual Approach Slope Indicator System (AVASIS) units; and supply and install new wind cone. Postville - Replace cable connectors and transformers as necessary; replace loader and blower used for maintenance and snow removal of the runway. Rigolet - Upgrade sewer system; replace cable connectors and transformers as required; supply and install new wind cone; replace two heating fuel system storage tanks and related equipment, such as pumps; restore/reconfigure passenger waiting area. Williams Harbour - Replace cables to pullpits as required; install terminal blocks on Abbreviated Visual Approach Slope Indicator System (AVASIS) units; supply and install new wind cone.
