The Prince Rupert Airport is going green.
A $300,000 funding announcement from the Province of B.C. came on Thursday, outlining improvements that are proposed for the regional airport, which just completed a renovation of its own this past spring.
Upgrades to the roof and and insulation systems on the building are scheduled to take place in order to comply with environmental regulations of B.C. An energy efficient system linked to YPR's airport and water harvesting and treatment system is planned to be installed for a more sustainable building.
The Prince Rupert Airport Authority is also providing $200,000 for the $500,000 total cost of the project.
The funding from the province comes from the B.C. Air Access Program, a Ministry of Transportation initiative to help airports across the province improve features such as lighting and navigational systems, terminal expansions or upgrades and runway improvements, often splitting the cost with the public airports.
"This funding from the B.C. Air Access Program will allow us to make crucial environmental upgrades to our airport. Prince Rupert is the region's northern gateway and the airport is taking on increased importance due to the growth of industry at out Port as well as potential LNG development," said Prince Rupert Mayor Lee Brain.
"We appreciate this provincial support to enhance our airport facilities and ultimately increase economic development opportunities in the region."
Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure also spoke of the importance of Prince Rupert's airport Thursday.
"When we rolled out our B.C. on the Move 10-year transportation plan last year, we made it a priority to provide funding support for smaller and regional airports. The Prince Rupert airport needs some environmental upgrades to tis maintenance building and this funding will help the airport authority make these important improvements," he said.
Judy Fraser, president of the Prince Rupert Airport Authority added "On behalf of the airport authority and management, we are pleased the minister, through the B.C. Air Access Program, recognized our rain water harvesting project and granted us financial assistance to complete this valuable environmental project."