Our little airport is about to get a bit bigger

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI

*************************** Orazietti announces $1 million to upgrade and expand Sault Ste. Marie Airport terminal 
Additional provincial investment improves local infrastructure and creates more jobs

SAULT STE. MARIE - The province, through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), is providing an additional $1 million to the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation (SSMADC) to support upgrades and an expansion to the airport terminal building to accommodate more passengers and a greater volume of flights, David Orazietti, MPP announced today. 

“Since 2003, the province has consistently delivered investments for new infrastructure in our community and today’s funding announcement will further strengthen our local aviation industry while also creating high quality jobs that are boosting Sault Ste. Marie’s economy,” said Orazietti. “Our Northern Growth Plan is positioning our community at the forefront of growing industries, such as the aviation and alternative energy sectors and creating economic and employment benefits for the residents of Sault Ste. Marie.”

The $1 million in provincial funding is being provided though the NOHFC’s Infrastructure and Community Development Program.

In addition to today’s announcement the Province recently provided the SSMADC with $1 million to construct a new 22,320 square foot hanger with a 39,600 square foot apron, which will enable JD Aero Technical to expand its current operations for aircraft maintenance, repairs and overhaul (AMRO) for commercial airline companies, such as Porter Airlines and Air Canada Jazz.

“The Sault Ste Marie Airport Development Corporation continues to enhance services being offered at the airport,” said Jerry Dolcetti, chairman of the SSMADC. “Funding from the Province's NOHFC for terminal renovations will allow more passengers to be processed and help create more counter space for Porter Airlines as well as charters to Cuba and the Dominican Republic during the winter months.”

Since 2003, the province has approved over $47 million for nearly 400 NOHFC projects in Sault Ste. Marie.

These investments have resulted in new jobs and allowed for over $109 million in infrastructure and business projects to be completed.

The provincial government’s four previous Budgets have each increased the NOHFC’s funding by a further $10 million per year from $60 million in 2007 to 100 million in 2011 to support vital community infrastructure and economic development projects that create jobs and enhance the quality of life for northerners.

When in government, the provincial NDP cut the NOHFC’s entire budget and put it into the province’s general revenue, which short-changed Northerners.

In addition, the provincial NDP has voted against all of the increases to the NOHFC and the projects that it has supported in Sault Ste. Marie.

Some of the key NOHFC investments in Sault Ste. Marie include:

- $5 million Agawa Canyon Tour Train

- $2.5 million Heliene Solar Manufacturing Plant

- $2.4 million for the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation

- $2.3 million for Algoma University Biosciences and Technology Building ($10.3 million total)

- $2.1 million Flakeboard Ltd. expansion

- $2 million Ellsin Environmental Ltd. - Tire Recycling Plant

- $2 million Sault College - IT infrastructure, Multi-Media Centre, Wind Energy Training Centre

- $1.6 million Hub Trail and waterfront walkway expansion ($3.1 million total)

- $1.5 million West End Recreation Centre ($6.2 million total)

- $1.5 million for Sault College academic building ($9.5 million total)

- $1.5 million Huron Central Rail upgrades ($16.5 million total)

- $1 million Essar Centre ($4.7 million total)

- $1 million Algoma Public Health building – Technology ($8.3 million total)

- $1 million City - Emergency Response Centre (EMS) ($2.2 million total)

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