Airport snags a million federal bucks

NEWS RELEASE TRANSPORT CANADA ********************* Jeff Watson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, was joined by Bryan Hayes, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste.

NEWS RELEASE

TRANSPORT CANADA

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Jeff Watson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, was joined by Bryan Hayes, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie to announce an investment of $1,022,640 for the replacement of a runway sweeper, snowblower, an airfield rotating beacon, wind direction indicators, approach light transformers, and for modifications to the combined services building to accommodate fire trucks at the Sault Ste. Marie Airport.

The sweeper and snowblower will ensure the timely and effective removal of snow, slush and ice from runways and taxiways; the fire shelter keeps the aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle and equipment dry and frost free for quick access, while the other equipment will ensure the continued safe operation of the airport for passengers, employees, medical evacuations, and fire fighting operations.

Funding is provided through Transport Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP).

Quick Facts

To date, through ACAP, the Sault Ste. Marie Airport has received over $8.8 million for 18 safety projects, including today's announcement.
Previous projects included the rehabilitation of Runway 12-30, Taxiways B, F and G; replacement of concrete panels on the threshold of Runway 12 and the main apron; the rehabilitation of airside electrical systems; and the replacement of a snow plow truck, a runway sweeper and a sand storage building.
Since the program started, the Government of Canada has invested more than $632 million for 780 projects at 174 airports across the country.

Quotes

"The safety of the travelling public is a top priority for our Government. These projects will enhance safety and improve the economic potential of the Sault Ste. Marie Airport and its surrounding communities."

Jeff Watson
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, and Member of Parliament for Essex

"The Sault Ste. Marie Airport continues to see strong passenger growth toward our goal of achieving 200,000 annual passengers. In July 2014, the Sault Airport set a record passenger level of 191,557 for the previous 12-month period. With this rapid growth comes the need for capital improvements to maintain the safe operation of the airport. These projects and the assistance of ACAP enable us to achieve this level of safety."

Terry Bos
Chief Executive Officer
Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation

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