$3.6 million provincial funding to enhance regional airpot infrastructure-B.C’s
Northern B.C. airports share $3.6 million in government funds
Tom Summer and Glacier Media
Western Investor
— Northern Rockies Airport, Fort Nelson, B.C. | Northern Rockies Airport
Nine regional airports across northern B.C. are slated to receive $3.6 million in provincial funding.
The funding is part of B.C.’s COVID-19 economic recovery plan and B.C. Air Access Program grants. Transportation Minister Rob Fleming says the pandemic has caused hardship and financial stress for the aviation sector and community airports throughout BC.
“But we’re also looking to better days ahead, post-pandemic. That’s why we’re taking action to support communities with important infrastructure upgrades so we can boost jobs, tourism and trade that will give us a head start with B.C.’s economic recovery,” said Fleming.
The funds will enhance local airport infrastructure such as upgraded taxi lanes, new airside paving, and green building projects. The nine airport projects being funded are as follows:
• Atlin Airport – $445,460 to update and retrofit airfield lighting and modernize fuel system
• Kitimat Air Park – $822,913 for runway and taxiway improvements;
• Mackenzie Airport – $127,500 for well construction for airport fire suppression system;
• McBride Airport – $401,687 for access road culvert replacement;
• Northern Rockies Airport, Fort Nelson – $163,726 for electric-metered fuel system upgrade for avgas and jet fuel;
• Prince George Airport (Project 1) – $299,250 for replacement of old back-up generator;
• Prince George Airport (Project 2) – $196,500 for runway hold signs;
• Tumbler Ridge Airport – $326,250 for replacement of airport lighting;
• Vanderhoof Airport – $490,083 for apron and taxiways rehabilitation.
The air access program is entering its seventh year, with $32.5 million committed to 51 airports since 2017. More than 300 public airports, heliports and water aerodromes exist in BC; grant applicants are assessed based on need, safety, environmental improvements and essential access.
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