Released on April 24, 2009
Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard announced seven grants worth a total of $500,000 that will help fund improvements for Saskatchewan community airports.
The annual grants are part of the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure's Community Airports Partnership (CAP) program. The program will see at least $1 million invested in airport infrastructure as the provincial grants are matched by the successful applicants. This year's grant recipients are the Estevan, Kamsack, Kindersley, Maple Creek, Moose Jaw, Swift Current and Yorkton airports.
"These community airports provide important and efficient transportation links for industry to connect with provincial, national and international markets and clients," Elhard said. "This airport infrastructure also helps keep us safe and secure by providing a base of operations for policing and air ambulances."
This year's grants will contribute to such airport infrastructure improvements as the repair and repaving of runways, along with the upgrading and repair of runway and taxiway lighting.
"This program is welcomed by the province's aviation sector, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of powered flight in Canada," Saskatchewan Aviation Council President Janet Keim said. "This infrastructure funding helps our communities by ensuring it has the infrastructure it needs to provide the important services that keep it a great, competitive and attractive place to live."
Eligible airports were able to apply for this provincial program funding for projects supporting economic development, general access to surrounding communities, air ambulances, commercial operations and aviation safety.
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For more information, contact:
Dan Palmer
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4805