September 21, 2007
Prince George- The Province will provide up to $11 million to the Prince George Airport for expansion of its main runway so it can service larger airlines flying between Asia and North America, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.
"The Prince George Airport is strategically located to service air cargo traffic travelling between North America and the booming economies of China, Taiwan, South Korea and other Asian countries," Campbell said. "This funding, along with earlier provincial contributions for improvements at the airport, allows Prince George to move forward on its plan to become a major international gateway for cargo and passenger traffic."
The Prince George Airport Authority (PGAA) is planning to increase its main runway to 11,400 feet from the current 7,400 feet, and upgrade its taxiway, apron system and navigational aids. With air traffic increasing between North America and Asia and other airports on the circumpolar route nearing capacity, the PGAA identified the need for an additional facility where aircraft can re-fuel and, eventually, transfer cargo.
The Province's contribution to the runway expansion project includes $1 million committed earlier for related engineering and design work. In addition, in 2005, the Province contributed $3 million towards the expansion of the airport's terminal building.
"This runway expansion and the new investments it will bring are all part of the strengthening of our economic base and the creation of new job opportunities," Prince George-Mount Robson MLA Shirley Bond said. "With projects like the runway expansion, we're starting to really capitalize on Prince George's potential as a transportation hub, not just for British Columbia, but for all North America," said Prince George North MLA Pat Bell.
"This expansion will open up a world of new economic opportunities for Prince George and the Central Interior. This is a strong example of how our government's Pacific Gateway strategy is bringing new growth and energy across our province," said Prince George-Omineca MLA John Rustad.
"This latest funding confirms our commitment to improve our transportation infrastructure and reinforce British Columbia's position as Canada's, and North America's, Pacific Gateway," Minister of Transportation Kevin Falcon said. "The expansion of the Prince George Airport is key to the airport's continued contribution to economic growth and opportunities in Central and Northern B.C."
The Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) and Western Economic Diversification Canada are also providing $11 million each towards the project. Established in 2004 with an initial investment of $135 million from the B.C.-CN Rail Partnership, the NDIT assists B.C.'s northern communities with economic development and diversification projects.
Work is expected to begin immediately on the runway expansion, Jim Blake, chair of the PGAA, said.
"Now that funding is in place, we can begin construction and continue discussions with those airlines that have expressed interest in using the Prince George Airport," Blake said. "With a longer runway, Prince George is perfectly positioned to be that facility."
"The expansion of our airport will accommodate and service international flights," Prince George Mayor Colin Kinsley said. "This contributes greatly to the diversification of our economic base and provides the catalyst for further local and regional development."
The runway expansion is expected to be complete by fall 2008.
BC Liberal Government Provides $11 Million for PG Airport Expansion |
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