Investment at Williams Lake Regional Airport - Enhancing air safety in Northern British Columbia

WILLIAMS LAKE, BC, July 30, 2015 /CNW/ - Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George, on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today announced that the Government of Canada is investing $3,891,095 to enhance safety at the Williams Lake Regional Airport.

Funding will pay for the rehabilitation of pavement on Runway 11-29 and Taxiway A, including the replacement of runway threshold end lights. This work will enhance airfield visibility and ensure safe runway and taxiway conditions for flight crews, passengers, employees, and aerial firefighting and air ambulance operations.

Funding is provided through Transport Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP).

Quick Facts

• To date, through ACAP, the Williams Lake Regional Airport has received over $5.7 million in funding for nine safety projects, including today's announcement. 
• Previous projects included pavement rehabilitation on the runway apron and Taxiway A; the purchase of a hydrostatic runway sweeper; the installation of an omni-directional airfield lighting system; and the purchase of a runway condition reporting system, a decelerometer, and a snowplow truck and runway sweeper.
• Since the program started, the Government of Canada has invested more than $693 million for 830 projects at 174 airports across the country.

Quotes

"Our government recognizes that safe and efficient airports are vital to the economic and social well-being of smaller communities. This investment will support long-term growth and strengthen the local economy, while improving safety for air travelers in this region."
Dick Harris
Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George

"The City of Williams Lake appreciates the huge level of support Transport Canada has shown the Williams Lake Regional Airport, which is an economic engine for the Cariboo. The runway rehabilitation project is a significant capital project to improve critical infrastructure."
Walt Cobb
Mayor of Williams Lake

Associated Links

• Airports Capital Assistance Program
• Williams Lake Regional Airport

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SOURCE Transport Canada

Zach Segal, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055