OTTAWA — Cathy McLeod, MP, on behalf of Canada’s Transport Minister John Baird, announced funding that will allow the Kamloops Airport to make important safety and infrastructure upgrades.  By providing close to $388,253.00, the airport will be able to replace the existing pole line, hazard beacons and towers.

“Today I’m pleased to announce funding for the Kamloops Airport that will allow the airport to make important safety and infrastructure upgrades, and sustain excellent service to passengers and businesses throughout the community,” said MP McLeod.  “Smaller airports are vital to many communities across the country, which is why the Government of Canada is taking action to invest in these much-needed safety upgrades.”

“This upgrade will enhance our ability to offer residents and visitors safe and reliable air transport in most weather conditions” said Kamloops Airport Authority Society President John O’Fee.

This year, the Government of Canada will invest more than $42 million in safety-related improvements at airports across Canada. These improvements will be funded in 2010-2011 under the Airport Capital Assistance Program (ACAP). 

ACAP finances capital projects related to safety, such as rehabilitating runways and taxiways, and purchasing visual aids and heavy airside mobile equipment like fire trucks and snowplows. Since ACAP was first introduced, the Government of Canada has invested a total of $533 million for 650 projects at 170 airports, including today’s announcement. Over 99 per cent of these projects were airside projects.