Investment at the Smithers Regional Airport - Enhancing Safety in British Columbia

SMITHERS, BC, August 5, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today announced that the Government of Canada is investing $255,200 for the replacement of a loader and ramp plow at the Smithers Regional Airport.

This equipment will ensure continued safe airport operations for flight crews, passengers and airport employees through the timely and effective removal of snow, slush and ice from airport runways and taxiways.

Funding comes from Transport Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP).

Quick Facts

• To date, through ACAP, the Smithers Regional Airport has received over $4.1 million in funding for eight safety projects, including today's announcement. 
• Previous projects included repaving the runway apron and Taxiway C, upgrading of the electrical distribution and airside electrical systems, replacing a snow plow truck and snowblower and purchasing a runway sweeper, front-end loader and ramp plow.
• Since the program started, the Government of Canada has invested more than $631 million for 776 projects at 174 airports across the country.

Quotes

"The Smithers Regional Airport is a vital gateway for local residents, businesses, trade and tourism. This investment will enhance safety for travellers and residents while supporting productivity and economic growth in the region."
The Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport

"Ensuring our regional airport remains efficient, safe and competitive is a key priority for Smithers Town Council. We thank the Government of Canada for recognizing the importance of our facility and facilitating the replacement of these important pieces of equipment."
Taylor Bachrach
Mayor, Town of Smithers

Associated Links

• Airports Capital Assistance Program
• Smithers Regional Airport

SOURCE: Transport Canada

Jana Régimbal, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, Ottawa613-991-0700; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa. 613-993-0055; Rob Blackburn, Airport Manager, Smithers Regional Airport, 250-847-3664, [email protected]; Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to e-news or stay connected through RSS, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.; This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.