Harper Government invests in safety at Lethbridge County Airport

LETHBRIDGE, AB, Jan. 17, 2013 /CNW/ - Jim Hillyer, Member of Parliament for Lethbridge, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced $445,255 in funding for Lethbridge County Airport to make important safety improvements.

The Lethbridge County Airport is receiving $410,637 through the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) for the replacement of a snowblower truck that has reached the end of its useful life.  The Airport will also receive $34,618 to replace their existing runway condition reporting system.  This system will provide timely, accurate and precise wireless reporting and recording of runway conditions.

"Lethbridge County Airport is an important gateway for local residents and businesses in this region," said MP Hillyer. "These investments promote the safe and efficient movement of passengers and cargo during all seasons and will help to ensure the right conditions for growth, job creation and economic prosperity in Southern Alberta."

"The County of Lethbridge is grateful for the ACAP funding for the runway snowblower and the runway condition reporting system. Transport Canada and the County both have the safety of the airport and the travelling public in mind," said Reeve Lorne Hickey. "These two pieces of equipment will greatly help airport staff to safely maintain the runways at the Lethbridge County Airport."

To date, through ACAP, the Government of Canada has invested more than $587.1 million for 722 projects at 173 airports.  Improvements include purchasing/replacing heavy airside mobile equipment; installing wildlife fencing; and rehabilitating runway pavements, airfield lighting and electrical systems.  Lethbridge County Airport has received more than $8.6 million for eight projects, including today's announcement.

Canada's Economic Action Plan 2012 provides new opportunities for growth, job creation and long-term prosperity. Strengthening infrastructure across the country is an important part of this plan. Thanks to the Government of Canada's leadership, and our strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other industrialized countries. Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than 922,000 net new jobs created since July 2009. Find out more about the opportunities in Economic Action Plan 2012 at www.budget.gc.ca/2012/home-accueil-eng.html.

SOURCE: Transport Canada