No. ON 004/05
For release - November 10, 2005
DRYDEN, ON. — Roger Valley, MP for Kenora, on behalf of Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre, today announced the completion of a $3,459,000 federally funded project at Dryden Regional Airport under the Government of Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program. Funding for this project is part of the over $5-million that the Government of Canada has contributed towards safety improvements at six Ontario airports announced for the 2005-2006 Airports Capital Assistance Program.
"The completion of this federally funded project will strengthen Dryden Regional Airport's role as an integral part of the economic infrastructure of Northern Ontario," said Mr. Valley.
The project involved the rehabilitation of airside pavement including the main runway, Alpha taxiway, and a portion of the air terminal apron. The rehabilitation project consisted of pulverizing the existing asphalt surface, placing a granular base material and laying new asphalt. These improvements will provide a safe operating surface for aircrafts helping to ensure that Dryden Airport remains a safe and efficient operating facility.
"Safety and security are Transport Canada's top priorities," said Mr. Lapierre. "The funds provided for safety improvements at Dryden Regional airport will help them enhance both their safety and economic potential."
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.
Dryden Regional Airport is owned and operated by the Corporation of the City of Dryden. Bearskin Airlines provides regularly scheduled passenger service at the airport, as do a number of charter aircraft. The airport has been awarded over $4.4 million in federal Airports Capital Assistance Program funding since the program began in 1995.
Funding for this project was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
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Contacts:
Irène MarcheterreDirector of Communications,Office of the Minister of Transport(613) 991-0700
Julie IannettaA/Director CommunicationsTransport Canada - Ontario Region(416) 952-0156
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