Government of Canada invests in safety at Kamloops Airport

KAMLOOPS, BC, March 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced $544,310 in Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) funding for the construction of a shelter for an aircraft rescue and firefighting truck and related equipment at the Kamloops Airport.

"The Kamloops Airport is a vital gateway for local residents, businesses, trade and tourism," said MP McLeod. "This funding will create jobs and enhance the safety of all those who use this airport, especially the communities and businesses in the interior of British Columbia that rely on it."

"The improvements to the Kamloops Airport, supported by the financial assistance of the Government of Canada, will contribute greatly to growth, job creation and economic prosperity in our city, as well as support our airport's continued safety," said Peter Milobar, Mayor of Kamloops. "The City of Kamloops appreciates the continued federal support of our airport through the Airports Capital Assistance Program."

"Our government remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and of course, their personal financial security," added MP McLeod.

To date, through ACAP, the Kamloops Airport has received more than $3.6 million for nine projects, including today's announcement.  In 2011, $905,700 was provided to the airport for the purchase of an aircraft rescue and firefighting truck and in 2012, $146,621 was invested in runway de-icing equipment and a snowplow truck.

Since the program started, the Government of Canada has invested more than $597.7 million for 737 projects at 174 airports.  Improvements include purchasing/replacing heavy airside mobile equipment; installing wildlife fencing; and rehabilitating runway pavements, airfield lighting and electrical systems.

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 950,000 net new jobs created since July 2009. 

SOURCE: Transport Canada