Government of Canada invests in safety at Lloydminster Municipal Airport

LLOYDMINSTER, AB, Feb. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville—Wainwright, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced $538,406 in funding for the Lloydminster Municipal Airport to make important safety improvements.

The Lloydminster Municipal Airport, through the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP), is receiving $226,510 for the replacement of a towed runway sweeper and $311,896 for the replacement of a front-end loader and a loader-mounted snow blower. The new equipment will ensure the timely and effective removal of snow, slush and ice from runways and taxiways.

"I grew up near Lloydminster and remember when the airport was a small dirt runway used by recreational pilots and a few farm and oil business people. Things have really changed since then. Lloydminster Municipal Airport is now an important gateway for local residents and businesses in this region," said MP Benoit. "This new equipment will help the airport move passengers and cargo efficiently during all seasons. Our government's investment will support long-term growth and strengthen the local economy, while improving safety for air travellers and helping to connect workers with jobs in the area."

"A healthy and vibrant airport is a pre-requisite to a robust thriving economy," said Jeff Mulligan, Mayor of Lloydminster. "Upgrading equipment that is 25+ years old will provide direct benefits to airlines, ground crews and passengers on the thousands of flights that depend on the Lloydminster Airport every year. The investment from the Government of Canada-Airports Capital Assistance Program announced today, will deliver increased efficiency, safety, and streamlined airport operations."

To date, through ACAP, the Government of Canada has invested more than $589.4 million for 730 projects at 174 airports. Improvements include purchasing/replacing heavy airside mobile equipment; installing wildlife fencing; and rehabilitating runway pavements, airfield lighting and electrical systems. Lloydminster Municipal Airport has received more than $2.6 million for four projects, including today's announcement.

Canada's Economic Action Plan provides new opportunities for growth, job creation and long-term prosperity. 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 900,000 net new jobs created since July 2009.

SOURCE: Transport Canada