Two federal ministers were in Prince Rupert on Tuesday afternoon to announce a significant investment that will improve safety at the local airport.
Minister of State for Transport Steven Fletcher and Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages and Regional Minister for British Columbia James Moore were joined by Mayor Jack Mussallem and Vice-president of the Prince Rupert Airport Authority Shane Deinstadt to announce $762,800 from the Airport Capital Assistance Program for YPR. $616,300 will be used to repair pavement joints on the runway while the remaining $146,500 will be used to purchase a wet/dry chemical spreader to de-ice planes and help de-ice or prevent ice formation on the runway.
“These investments will increase safety and will improve the operation of the airport going forward,,” said Minister Fletcher.
“Today's announcement is good news not only for the people of Prince Rupert, , but for people across BC and across Canada...We want to help the airport reach its full potential as an economic driver and a transportation hub on the west coast.”
During the presentation Minister Moore noted Prince Rupert's importance to the country's Asia-Pacific Gateway strategy, and Mayor Mussallem said that the City's link to Asia amkes the announcement that much more important.
“Given the fact that we as a community are transitioning to become a major transportation hub on the west coast and that Prince Rupert is Canada's second west coast port, this type of investment is certainly appreciated,” he said.
“We expect as many as four announcements in the next year, and I invite you to come back and watch us grow.”