No. H054/05 For release April 7, 2005 FUNDING ANNOUNCED FOR SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AT CHURCHILL FALLS AIRPORT LABRADOR CITY, NL — The Government of Canada is working to improve safety at Churchill Falls Airport through the Airports Capital Assistance Program, the Honourable Jim Karygiannis, Parliamentary Secretary, along with the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, announced today on behalf of Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre. The Government of Canada is contributing $2,108,618 towards the safety improvement projects at the Churchill Falls Airport, which represents 100 per cent of the total cost of the projects. The safety improvement projects at Churchill Falls Airport include a new field electrical centre to house the electrical system that controls the airfield lighting, complete with all new electrical equipment; replacement of the airfield lighting control panel; the upgrade of both low intensity approach lighting systems with the latest standard system; the replacement of the cable feeder/transformer system for the edge lighting along the runway, taxiway and apron; and the replacement of two wind cones. The project also includes the purchase of new heavy airside mobile equipment, that is, a plow truck and a runway sweeper. "I am pleased that Churchill Falls Airport will be receiving this funding," said Mr. Karygiannis. "This will allow them to make these important safety upgrades." "Today’s announcement reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to rural communities and the safety of their air services," said Minister Efford. "These safety enhancements will also help Churchill Falls airport meet the growing cargo, tourism and travel needs in Newfoundland and Labrador." The Airports Capital Assistance Program is an integral part of the National Airports Policy, which provides Canadians with a comprehensive framework that clearly defines the Government of Canada’s role regarding airports. Under the program, which was established in 1995 and renewed for five years in January 2005, airports may apply for funding towards capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction. To be eligible, airports must have year-round, regularly scheduled passenger service, meet Transport Canada airport certification requirements and not be owned by the Government of Canada. "Safety and security are Transport Canada’s top priorities," said Mr. Lapierre. "The funds being provided to make the safety improvements at Churchill Falls Airport will help this important regional airport enhance both its safety and economic potential." Churchill Falls Airport is owned and operated by Churchill Falls Corporation Limited. Since the end of federal involvement in the management of the Churchill Falls Airport in January 1997, the facility has been awarded approximately $6.9 million in funding through the Airports Capital Assistance Program, including the projects announced today. Projects funded through the program to date include runway, taxiway and apron rehabilitation, as well as heavy airside mobile equipment and wildlife control fencing. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided year-round by Provincial Airlines. Both Provincial Airlines and Air Labrador also provide charter services and medevac flights. Emergency repair parts and specialized maintenance personnel for the Churchill Falls Power Generating Facility frequently arrive in Churchill Falls via the airport. Funding for these projects was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework. A backgrounder on the Airports Capital Assistance Program is attached. - 30 - Contacts: Irène Marcheterre Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Transport, Ottawa (613) 991-0700 Tom Ormsby Director of Communications Office of the Minister, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa (613) 996-2007 Maurice Landry Communications Transport Canada, Moncton (506) 851-7562 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. BACKGROUNDER AIRPORTS CAPITAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The Airports Capital Assistance Program provides funding to eligible airports to finance capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction. To be eligible, an airport must receive year-round, regularly scheduled passenger service, meet Transport Canada airport certification requirements and not be owned by the Government of Canada. Funding available under the program is set at $190 million, to be allocated from April 2005 to March 2010 at an average of $38 million per year. Contributions are considered for the following types of projects: First priority projects include safety-related airside projects, such as rehabilitation of runways, taxiways, aprons, lighting and other utilities, visual aids and sand storage sheds. This category also includes related site preparation and environmental costs, aircraft firefighting vehicles and ancillary equipment and equipment shelters that are necessary to maintain the required level of protection. Second priority projects include safety-related heavy airside mobile equipment, such as runway snow blowers, runway snowplows, runway sweepers, spreaders and decelerometers (winter friction testing devices), and heavy airside mobile equipment shelters. Third priority projects include safety-related air terminal building and groundside projects, such as sprinkler systems, asbestos removal and barrier-free access. Fourth priority projects include asset protection and refurbishing, operating cost reduction related to air terminal building or groundside access. Priority for funding will also be established by Transport Canada on the basis of a detailed technical analysis of a facility’s condition and maintenance history, airport traffic and certification requirements. To be eligible, projects must maintain or improve safety levels, protect airport assets or significantly reduce operating costs. Projects must also meet accepted engineering practices and be justified on the basis of current demand. Airport facility expansion projects will only be considered if the current facilities have a potentially negative impact on safety at the airport. Transport Canada’s first priority is safety. Through the Airports Capital Assistance Program, the Government of Canada is helping to enhance not only airport safety, but also the economic viability of this important aspect of Canada’s transportation infrastructure. The program is part of the National Airports Policy, which was introduced in July 1994 and calls for the commercialization of designated Canadian airports, through divestiture to community interests. The policy enables communities to take greater advantage of their airports, reduce costs, tailor levels of service to local demand and attract new and different types of business. April 2005
