SAULT STE MARIE – Bryan Hayes, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie has announced federal funding for the Sault Ste. Marie Airport to make an important safety improvement. The Sault Ste. Marie Airport is receiving $29,602 through the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) for the replacement of their existing runway condition reporting system.
The new system will provide timely, accurate and precise wireless reporting and recording of runway conditions. This funding is in addition to $622,320 announced earlier this year for the installation of an aircraft radio control of airfield lighting system and for the rehabilitation of airside electrical equipment.
“The Sault Ste. Marie Airport is a vital gateway for local residents, businesses, trade and tourism,” said Hayes. “This will support the safety of all those who use this airport, especially the communities and businesses in Northern Ontario that have come to rely on it”.
“In addition to improving safety, investing in infrastructure at regional airports creates jobs and helps to ensure the right conditions for economic growth and long-term prosperity,” said Minister Lebel.
“The Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation is pleased with the assistance provided by the federal government in their allocation of $29,602 through ACAP in purchasing new equipment for runway condition reporting,” said Terry Bos, CEO. “This equipment will enhance safety through improved analysis and communication of existing surface conditions between the airport and Nav Canada.”
In 2012-2013, the Government of Canada will invest more than $27.1 million for 42 safety-related improvements at 28 airports across Canada. Improvements include purchasing/replacing heavy airside mobile equipment; installing wildlife fencing; and rehabilitating runway pavements, airfield lighting and electrical systems.
To date, through ACAP, the Government of Canada has invested more than $587.1 million for 722 projects at 173 airports. Over 99 per cent of these projects were airside safety-related projects such as runways, taxiways and visual aids, as well as heavy airside mobile equipment such as fire trucks and snowplows. The Sault Ste. Marie Airport has received more than $7 million for 13 projects, including today’s announcement.
