Sault Airport receives $1 million in new funding

NEWS RELEASE DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP **************************** Orazietti announces $1 million for new airport hangar in Sault Ste. Marie Provincial investment supports local company, creates high quality jobs and boosts economy SAULT STE.

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

**************************** Orazietti announces $1 million for new airport hangar in Sault Ste. Marie

Provincial investment supports local company, creates high quality jobs and boosts economy

SAULT STE. MARIE - The province, through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), is providing an additional $1 million in funding support to the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation (SSMADC) to build a new $3.3 million airport hanger that will allow JD Aero Technical Inc. to expand its operations, protect 10 existing jobs and create up to 14 new high quality full-time jobs in Sault Ste. Marie, David Orazietti, MPP announced today.

“Since 2003, the province has consistently delivered investments for new infrastructure in our community and today’s 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 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 province’s latest investment in the local aviation sector is in addition to $437,750 in funding so that JD Aero Technical could open its head office, aviation support and maintenance operations in Sault Ste. Marie, which has led to job creation and economic development for the community.

“JD Aero Technical, Inc. is pleased with the announcement of the funding from the Province of Ontario towards a new hangar, and our 10-year lease extension with the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation,” said Don McNabb, managing director, JD Aero Technical, Inc. “The hangar extension allows us to continue operations and growth in Sault Ste. Marie, as well as providing the opportunity to secure a recent, long-term maintenance contract with a Dash 8 operator. The additional space will also allow us to venture further in the AMRO market. The Sault Airport provided an excellent opportunity to start our business several years ago, the expansion further solidifies commitments and we are happy to continue operations in Sault Ste. Marie.”

“The Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation continues to enhance services being offered at the airport,” said Jerry Dolcetti, board chair of the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation. “Partial funding from the province for the new hangar doubles our square footage to over 40,000 square feet, giving us a significant presence in the AMRO aviation service industry. Continuing this process ensures JD Aero retains their competitive advantage in the global market.”

“Sault Ste. Marie is well known in the industry for its aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul expertise,” said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. “JD Aero Technical is a professional partner that we rely on for certain maintenance and modification tasks. Porter’s commercial service in Sault Ste. Marie also benefits from having this resource available locally.”

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 $108 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 shortchanged 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

- $2.3 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)