OTTAWA — Bryan Hayes, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced funding that will allow the Sault Ste. Marie Airport and the R. Elmer Ruddick Nakina Airport to make important safety improvements.
"Infrastructure investments at regional airports are a key part of our government's plan to create jobs and generate economic growth," said MP Hayes. "I am pleased that this funding will directly and indirectly create jobs for the airports and local suppliers."
This year, through the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP), the Sault Ste. Marie Airport is receiving $29,848 for the installation of aircraft radio control of airfield lighting system. This is in addition to $592,472 announced earlier this year to rehabilitate airside electrical equipment. The R. Elmer Ruddick Nakina Airport is receiving $54,144 to purchase runway friction testing equipment and electronic runway condition reporting equipment.
"Our government is committed to the safety and security of all Canadians," said Minister Lebel. "We are committed to fund safety-related capital projects at regional airports across the country because these airports are vital gateways for local residents, businesses, trade and tourism. These upgrades will improve safety for air travelers and support the efficient movement of goods – helping to ensure the right conditions for economic growth and long-term prosperity."
"The Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation welcomes this additional funding commitment from the federal government through the Transport Canada ACAP program," said Terry Bos, CEO of the Sault Ste. Marie Airport. "This funding enhances the airport's ability to improve overall safety and efficiency at the airport and the upgrades to the facility are consistent with our master plan for the airport."
"Greenstone is very pleased to receive funding for the R. Elmer Ruddick Nakina Airport," stated Mr. Renald Beaulieu, Mayor of Greenstone. "This funding will assist in ensuring that the Airport has the safest, most efficient and effective operations possible."
In 2012-2013, the Harper government will invest more than $25.9 million for 35 projects for safety-related improvements at 26 airports across Canada. Improvements include purchasing/replacing heavy airside mobile equipment; installing wildlife fencing; and rehabilitating runway pavements, airfield lighting and electrical systems.
To date, through ACAP, the Government of Canada has invested more than $585.6 million for 715 projects at 173 airports. Over 99 per cent of these projects were airside safety-related projects such as runways, taxiways and visual aids, as well as heavy airside mobile equipment such as fire trucks and snowplows.
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Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
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